Negro's Complaint
Contents
THE NEGRO’S COMPLAINT 2
Question 1 5
Whose voice is depicted in this poem? What is the significance of this choice of narrator? 5
Question 2 7
Identify the personification and metaphor in the third stanza and discuss their significance in the speaker’s argument against slavery 7
Question 3 8
How does the speaker use appeals to reason, logic and emotion to undermine slavery and the slave trade? 8
Question 4 10
The poem establishes a link between racism, slavery and profit. Discuss the ways in which these links are explored in the poem. 10
5. What is the significance of the reference to gold in this poem? Compare the reference to gold in the first stanza (“paltry gold,” line 6) to its reference in the last stanza (“slaves of gold,” line 45), for instance. 11
THE NEGRO’S COMPLAINT by William Cowper
FORCED from home and all its pleasures Afric's coast I left forlorn,
To increase a stranger's treasures O'er the raging billows borne.
Men from England bought and sold me, Paid my price in paltry gold;
But, though slave they have enrolled me, Minds are never to be sold.
Still in thought as free as ever, What are England's rights, I ask,
Me from my delights to sever, Me to torture, me to task ?
Fleecy locks and black complexion Cannot forfeit nature's claim;
Skins may differ, but affection Dwells in white and black the same.
Why did all-creating nature Make the plant for which we toil?
Sighs must fan it, tears must water, Sweat of ours must dress the soil.
Think, ye masters iron-hearted, Lolling at your jovial boards,
Think how many backs have smarted For the sweets your cane affords.
Is there, as ye sometimes tell us, Is there One who reigns on high?
Has He bid you buy and sell us, Speaking from his throne, the sky?
Ask him, if your knotted scourges, Matches,
THE NEGRO’S COMPLAINT 2
Question 1 5
Whose voice is depicted in this poem? What is the significance of this choice of narrator? 5
Question 2 7
Identify the personification and metaphor in the third stanza and discuss their significance in the speaker’s argument against slavery 7
Question 3 8
How does the speaker use appeals to reason, logic and emotion to undermine slavery and the slave trade? 8
Question 4 10
The poem establishes a link between racism, slavery and profit. Discuss the ways in which these links are explored in the poem. 10
5. What is the significance of the reference to gold in this poem? Compare the reference to gold in the first stanza (“paltry gold,” line 6) to its reference in the last stanza (“slaves of gold,” line 45), for instance. 11
THE NEGRO’S COMPLAINT by William Cowper
FORCED from home and all its pleasures Afric's coast I left forlorn,
To increase a stranger's treasures O'er the raging billows borne.
Men from England bought and sold me, Paid my price in paltry gold;
But, though slave they have enrolled me, Minds are never to be sold.
Still in thought as free as ever, What are England's rights, I ask,
Me from my delights to sever, Me to torture, me to task ?
Fleecy locks and black complexion Cannot forfeit nature's claim;
Skins may differ, but affection Dwells in white and black the same.
Why did all-creating nature Make the plant for which we toil?
Sighs must fan it, tears must water, Sweat of ours must dress the soil.
Think, ye masters iron-hearted, Lolling at your jovial boards,
Think how many backs have smarted For the sweets your cane affords.
Is there, as ye sometimes tell us, Is there One who reigns on high?
Has He bid you buy and sell us, Speaking from his throne, the sky?
Ask him, if your knotted scourges, Matches,