Correct option is D
Explanation:
Samuel Johnson, a prominent moralist and essayist, was an outspoken critic of slavery. He condemned the practice and showed sympathy toward enslaved individuals, which was uncommon in his time.
Horace Walpole, known for his literary contributions and political commentaries, also condemned slavery. He expressed his disdain for the transportation of slaves in his writings and personal letters.
Information Booster:
Johnson was a critic of slavery and colonial exploitation, famously remarking on the hypocrisy of liberty-loving nations participating in the slave trade.
Horace Walpole’s Advocacy:
Walpole, though a Gothic novelist, used his letters and writings to highlight societal issues, including slavery.
Historical Context:
The slave trade was a highly debated topic in the 18th century, with critics challenging its moral and economic justification.
Impact of Such Criticisms:
Early voices against slavery contributed to the broader abolitionist movements that emerged later in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Additional Knowledge:
Alexander Pope:
While Pope addressed human morality and justice in his works, he did not prominently condemn slavery or discuss the transportation of slaves.
Thomas Gray:
Known for Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard, Gray focused on themes like mortality and rural life rather than political or social issues like slavery.