Question

What does the word cane most symbolize in these lines from the poem?

1) The general's abuse of the Haitians
2) The importance of farming to the economy
3) The rainy climate of the swamp
4) The general's love of autumn
5) The general's feelings for his mother

Answer 1

The word 'cane' in the poem most likely symbolizes the general's abuse of Haitians, reflecting the hardships and brutality they faced during the Transatlantic slave trade and in the sugar plantations.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine what the word cane most symbolizes in the provided lines, we need to understand the context in which it is used. Given the historical background and the descriptions provided, cane is likely a symbol for the abuses of the Transatlantic slave trade and the harsh realities of plantation life. The lines describe the intense labor and dangers faced by enslaved people working on sugar plantations, where sugar cane cultivation was prevalent. The labor was grueling, often resulting in injury or death, and those who were unable to keep up with the work faced punishments. Therefore, the cane commonly represents the general's abuse of Haitians among the given options.