Final answer:
The phrase 'goes hard' reflects an abolitionist's intense resolve and refusal to moderate their language in the mission to end slavery, exemplified by historical figures like William Lloyd Garrison. Abolitionists faced backlash for their direct language but used it strategically to awaken society to the cruelties of slavery and underscore the moral urgency of their cause.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the individual says that his new antislavery viewpoint “goes hard,” it signifies the struggle and the intensity with which he pursues the abolitionist cause. The severe language and uncompromising stance are akin to a necessary alarm in a time of dire crisis, akin to a house on fire or rescuing someone from harm.
This person, likely an abolitionist figure such as William Lloyd Garrison, refuses to moderate his language because the cause of ending slavery is urgent and severe, much like fighting a rampant evil. Such passionate advocacy was not received well by all, and abolitionists like Garrison faced severe backlash, especially from those who were implicated in the perpetuation of slavery and could instigate rebellion amongst the enslaved, as in the case of Nat Turner's rebellion.
Historically, abolitionists employed a variety of strategies to communicate their message, including poignant appeals to the morality and emotions of their audience. For instance, abolitionists would highlight the ironies and moral contradictions within a society that professed Christian values while allowing the inhumanity of slavery to persist.
Furthermore, individuals like Frederick Douglass, who escaped slavery and became influential in the abolitionist movement, detailed the cruelty and brutality of the institution in efforts to illuminate the reality to those who were ignorant or resistant to understanding the plight of the enslaved.