Question

In the introductory note above the passage, the author is quoted as saying that his purpose for writing is to “excite…a sense of compassion for the miseries which the Slave-Trade has entailed on my unfortunate countrymen.” Which detail from the passage presents evidence of this purpose? Group of answer choices As every object was new to me every thing I saw filled me with surprise. . . . and indeed I thought these people were full of nothing but magical arts. We were not many days in the merchant's custody before we were sold. . . . The noise and clamour with which this is attended, and the eagerness visible in the countenances of the buyers, serve not a little to increase the apprehensions of the terrified Africans.

Answer 1

Answer:

The detail that presents evidence of this purpose is:

The noise and clamour with which this is attended, and the eagerness visible in the countenances of the buyers, serve not a little to increase the apprehensions of the terrified Africans.

Explanation:

The author's purpose is to "excite... a sense of compassion." In other words, he wants readers to feel sympathy for those who suffered as a consequence of slavery. One way to instigate compassion and sympathy in others is to unveil to them how painful an experience was. By describing how one suffered, the way one felt while going through something, it is possible to have people empathize. Among the options, the one that refers to the way Africans felt while being traded is the last one:

The noise and clamour with which this is attended, and the eagerness visible in the countenances of the buyers, serve not a little to increase the apprehensions of the terrified Africans.

We can imagine, even feel, their fear. The eagerness of those who were buying them, treating them not as human beings but as goods, only contributed to their terror. By reading this, we can't help but feel compassion for them.