Final answer:
The poem by Wheatley hints at a contentious relationship between New England and Old England, with respect mixed with critical undertones. The correct option is 2.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the content of Wheatley's poem "To the University of Cambridge, in New-England," it can be inferred that the relationship between New England and Old England was complex, with elements of both respect and critique.
The poem suggests a degree of reverence towards the education and intellectual tradition of England, while simultaneously carrying undertones of critique, possibly regarding the transatlantic slave trade and the plight of Africans, as Wheatley herself was an African who was enslaved and brought to America.
Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the relationship between New England and Old England is best characterized as having a contentious nature, indicating that the second option is most likely correct.