Question

What imagery does Wheatley use in the first stanza of “ To the Right Honourable, Earl of Dartmouth”(lines 1-14) ? How does this imagery express her hopes about the Earl?

Answer 1

Wheatley uses positive imagery to describe the Earl. Examples include comparing him and his arrival to a sunny morning and the hopefulness people feel when the dawn breaks. Wheatley also alludes to the promise of freedom the Earl holds "in silken reins." She believes the Earl will be able to help slaves in North America gain freedom.