Final answer:
If the poem describes struggles against a repressive society and critiques systems of oppression, then one could argue that oppression is a key theme, as exemplified by poet Phillis Wheatley's writings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of how one would argue that oppression is a key idea in a poem depends greatly on the content of the poem itself. If the speaker within the poem describes their struggles against a repressive society, it then becomes evident that oppression is indeed a central theme. From exploring the systemic nature of oppression—its impact on growth, advancement, and freedom—to recognizing the historical context of certain texts, we can analyze the thematic elements.
Phillis Wheatley, for example, utilized her poetry as a vehicle to subtly critique slavery and by doing so also critiqued the broader systems of oppression. In her work, Wheatley juxtaposes the cry for liberty against the oppressive power exerted by colonists, thus making a poignant statement about the injustice of slavery. Other poets utilising themes such as liberation, the human emotion of love, or critique of political injustice may also incorporate the idea of oppression through contrasting elements and metaphors.
Therefore, option B—'Oppression is a key theme in the poem, as the speaker describes their struggles against a repressive society'—might be the most applicable if the poem in question indeed contains such elements.