Question

Read the excerpt from "On Liberty and Slavery.”

How long have I in b0ndage lain,
And languished to be free!
Alas! and must I still complain—
Deprived of liberty.

Oh, Heaven! and is there no relief
This side the silent grave—
To soothe the pain—to quell the grief
And anguish of a slave?

Which universal theme is best shown in the excerpt?

A. the struggle for equality
B. the struggle for justice
C. the experience of oppression
D. the importance of hope

Answer 1

Answer: C. experience of oppression

Explanation: The speaker in the excerpt expresses their longing for freedom and their suffering as a slave. They complain about being deprived of liberty and express their anguish and grief. This demonstrates the experience of oppression, as the speaker is trapped in bondage and yearns for relief from their painful situation. The excerpt highlights the injustice and lack of freedom faced by the speaker, emphasizing the theme of oppression.