3
Read these sentences from the text:
"Why would Washington and his advisors want to publish Wheatley's poem in
Virginia, where he was universally esteemed, rather than in a state like
Massachusetts, where his reputation was more equivocal? By the agency of
his staff officer Joseph Reed, who arranged the poem's publication in the
Virginia Gazette, Washington probably wanted to show his fellow Virginians a
former slave who was not only literate, but loyal to the American cause-an
astute tactic at a time when Virginia was wracked with fear of slave
insurrections, incited by Governor Dunmore's call in November 1775 for
slaves to come fight on the British side."
Based on this information, what impact did George Washington think
Wheatley's poem would most likely have?
A He most likely thought her poem would increase tensions in Virginia over
fears of slave insurrections.
B He most likely thought her poem would ease tensions in Virginia over
fears of slave insurrections.
He most likely thought her poem would inspire the people of
Massachusetts to support his leadership.
He most likely thought her poem would inspire the people of Virginia to
consider freeing their slaves.
Why might the author have included excerpts from Wheatley's poem "His
Excellency George Washington" in the text?