The slave dealer(poem) by Thomas Pringle
How does the Wanderer feel about the bloodshed he has cause?
In the poem "The Slave Dealer" by Thomas Pringle, the persona of the Wanderer seemingly reflects on the bloodshed caused by the slave trade with a mix of regret, guilt, and shame. Despite engaging in the brutal business of selling human beings into slavery, the Wanderer cannot escape the emotional toll it has taken on him.
The poem portrays the Wanderer as a conflicted character, who acknowledges the horrors of his trade and the pain he has caused. Throughout the poem, the persona uses vivid imagery to describe the brutal reality of the slave trade, highlighting the suffering and violence experienced by the enslaved individuals. This suggests that the Wanderer is aware of the cruel nature of his actions.
For instance, in the poem, the Wanderer speaks of "The shrieks of agony lie stifled there, /Muffled by ocean."
These lines depict the screams of the enslaved people as they are forcefully transported across the Atlantic, their despair silenced by the vastness of the ocean. This description reveals the Wanderer's recognition of the immense suffering he is responsible for.
Furthermore, the poem also suggests a sense of remorse and guilt within the Wanderer. The persona contemplates the fate of the enslaved individuals, recognizing their humanity and the injustice inflicted upon them. The Wanderer refers to them as "brother" and "sister," which implies a recognition of their shared humanity. This acknowledgment of kinship with the enslaved suggests that the Wanderer feels a sense of guilt for treating them as mere commodities.
In the final stanza of the poem, the Wanderer expresses a desire for redemption and a longing to escape from his bloodstained past. He yearns for forgiveness, admitting, "Oh! much I need forgiveness in this hour/From Him, whose love can wash away my stains!" This plea demonstrates the Wanderer's remorse and longing for absolution.
Overall, the Wanderer in "The Slave Dealer" is depicted as a character burdened by the bloodshed and suffering caused by the slave trade. He wrestles with guilt, remorse, and a desire for forgiveness, suggesting a complex mix of emotions in response to the brutality of his actions.