Problem
A. Define "satire" and explain how both of Swift's writings ("A Description of the Morning" and "A Modest Proposal") reflect satire. Briefly explain each and back it up with passages from the texts.
B. How does Alexander Pope's poem Essay on Man reflect Enlightenment thinking (in form and content)?
C. Explain Thomas Jefferson's perspective of race and the position of the slave in the excerpt from "Notes on the State of Virginia." Also, what does he say about Phillis Wheatley?
D. Explain how Phillis Wheatley's "On Being Brought from Africa to America" and "To the University of Cambridge" both try to appeal to men (educated white men) with regards to race and civility. Why is it important that she is speaking to this audience, during this time in history?
E. Olaudah Equiano's narrative is the first published account of the slave trade written directly from the experience of one who suffered it (rather than by a white "ghost writer"). Before he ever writes about his actual kidnapping and horrific travels, he spends two full chapters explaining his life in Africa (customs, music, medicine, culture, leadership, business, etc.). Why do you think it is important that he introduced this information first, rather than capitalizing on the tragedies of the slave trade alone (as other books do)?