Question

Why would Sewall's "The Selling of Joseph" have been controversial for his time? It was the first anti-slavery piece of literature. It was the first anti–indentured servant piece of literature. It was the first piece of literature to support the rights of women. It was the first piece of literature to support the rights of free African Americans.

Answer 1

Sewall's "The Selling of Joseph"has been controversial for his time because It was the first anti-slavery piece of literature.

Sewall wrote “The Selling of Joseph" to show and remind the people that ills of slavery. He wanted to tell everyone that the slaves are also human beings like others and they are not any property who belongs to any specific person. He urges the Whites to look on the natives of Africa with respect and with a humanly approach. According to of him slavery is a crime which humans commit against the almighty God. By practicing slavery and hurting the creation of God, Whites are hurting and disrespecting God.

Answer 2

The answer is that 'it was the first anti-slavery piece of literature', and at the time, slavery was still very present. So it was bound to be very controversial for its time.