<u>Answer</u>:
- Criticism of Wheatley's work was based more on gender than race.
- Jefferson's criticism of Wheatley generated more interest in African literature.
- Jefferson's criticism of Wheatley inspired other Africans to demonstrate African equality.
The article discusses the trial of Phillis Wheatley. Phillis was a slave, who was brought to America from Africa in the 18th century. Her master taught her how to read and write, and she began writing poetry. The trial described was intended to decide whether she was really the author of the poems she claimed to have written. A central idea of the article is that the criticism of Wheatley's work was more due to her condition as a woman than her condition as a slave. The author also argues that Jefferson's criticism of it both generated more interest in African literature as well as inspired other Africans.
how does the author succeed in promoting the reader's sympathy for the little girls? Mansfield evokes sympathy for the little kelveys. she sarcastically says they are "very nice company for other people's children!". she also describes the bedraggled, ragged clothing.
