In this excerpt, what belief does Cugoano explicitly express about slavery?

• A. There have been worse things than slavery.
• B. Slavery is an awful and vicious practice.
• C. Slaveholders need spiritual guidance.
• D. One cannot stop the practice of slavery.

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is recognizing a clear moral condemnation of slavery in Cugoano’s writing. In the excerpt, he explicitly labels slavery as an awful and vicious practice, making his stance straightforward and unambiguous: slavery harms human dignity, treats people as property, and conflicts with basic notions of justice and humanity. This direct moral judgment is why this option stands out as the best answer.

Context helps: Cugoano was an abolitionist in the late 18th century, arguing not just against the economic or political aspects of the slave system but against its fundamental immorality. His writings aim to awaken conscience and push for emancipation, rather than suggesting social reform or resignation to slavery’s persistence. The other ideas—minimizing slavery, calling for spiritual guidance for slaveholders, or accepting that slavery cannot be stopped—don’t align with his emphatic moral repudiation and abolitionist aim.