Cowper

The selections about abolition and the issue of the slave trade in Romantic-era Britain present a complex view of the morality of British society at this time, as well as expounding on the legitimate political and economic concerns at stake when discussing the institution and trade. With the capability for mass circulation of their work, authors have a unique opportunity (and obligation) to write about, critique, and offer solutions to contemporary social problems, as can be seen in both of the Cowper selections. I found "The Negro's Complaint" to be especially interesting, with Cowper's use of a narrator from the perspective of the African slave; how better to increase empathy towards the enslaved man than to have him tell of his tragedy himself? The poem questions the institution of slavery at its most basic level, asking "What are England's right, I ask,/ Me from my delights to sever,/ Me to torture, me to task?", suggesting the inherent impossibility of one man stripping another of his liberty, when both are men. Cowper urges the British people to "Prove that you have human feelings, ere you proudly question ours!" I thought the juxtaposition between Cowper's works was interesting, with "Sweet Meat has Sour Sauce" presenting the suffering caused by slavery not just of the slaves, but also of those who captivate them. Thus, while the movement towards abolition may have serious economic consequences, it is necessary for the physical and moral salvation of both English and Africans.