Final answer:
Whittier's poetry likely portrays both himself and William Lloyd Garrison as visionary leaders in the abolitionist movement, advocating for social and political change through immediate emancipation and equal rights. Option b: visionary leaders paving the way for change is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The poem being referred to is not specified in the question, but it seems you are asking about the relationship between John Greenleaf Whittier and William Lloyd Garrison as depicted in Whittier's poetry. If we're considering Whittier's famous work, it is likely that he portrays himself and Garrison with great respect and solidarity in their abolitionist efforts.
Looking closely at Whittier's poetry and the historical context of his and Garrison's work, we can infer that they might be portrayed as visionary leaders paving the way for change. This characterization is in line with their actual roles as key figures in the abolitionist movement of the 19th century. Garrison, through his work with The Liberator, and Whittier, with his abolitionist poetry, both fought ardently against slavery and sought to bring immediate emancipation as well as social and political equality for African Americans. So, if we had to choose an option that fits well with the historical and poetic portrayal of both men, that would be option b: visionary leaders paving the way for change.