'On Being Brought from Africa to America' and 'Sympathy'

In line 1 of “On Being Brought from Africa to America,” the speaker references a Pagan land to —

• describe a dream

• express desolation

• show that Paganism was encouraged in America

• establish that Christianity was not practiced in her homeland

Read line 6 of “On Being Brought from Africa to America.” “Their colour is a diabolic die.” The poet uses alliteration in the phrase diabolic die to emphasize that —

• she prays for justice

• she is haunted by the devil

• Africans died mercilessly at the hands of slaveholders

• Africans experienced disdain because of their skin color

Which line best illustrates the primary theme of religious enlightenment found in “On Being Brought from Africa to America”?

• Once I redemption neither sought nor knew. (line 4)

• Some view our sable race with scornful eye, (line 5)

• “Their colour is a diabolic die.” (line 6)

• Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain, (line 7)

In lines 7–8 of “On Being Brought from Africa to America,” the speaker suggests that religion is —

• unavailable to pagans

• accessible to all who seek it

• unavailable to those who scorn others

• available only to those who pray every day

The repetition of the words I know what the caged bird feels in line 7 of “Sympathy” suggests that the poet feels —

• sad

• trapped

• lonely

• bored

Read line 11 from “Sympathy.” When he fain would be on the bough a-swing; In this line, the poet uses descriptive language to indicate that the —

• bird prefers the safety of a cage

• boughs in the bird’s cage are stationary

• bird would prefer a tree branch swinging in the open air

• perch in the bird’s cage resembles a bough swinging from a tree

Which statement best expresses the primary theme of “Sympathy”?

• Independence is seldom worth sacrificing safety for.

• Imprisonment makes a person more likely to give up.

• Never allow oppression to suppress the fight for freedom.

• Avoid fighting against forces too powerful to conquer.

The speakers of both poems —

• express religious beliefs

• believe that prisoners are ignorant

• suggest that singing can free the soul

• display their gratitude for being educated

“On Being Brought from Africa to America” and “Sympathy” both focus specifically on —

• feeling entrapped

• religious redemption

• cruelty toward animals

• prejudice against people

What commentary about racism is made by the speakers of both poems? Cite evidence from the selections to support your answer.