Text Purpose in Writing: A Closer Look at Sterne and Sancho's Correspondence

What was the purpose of Sterne's writing in response to Sancho?

A) to convince Sancho to focus on other important matters
B) to explain why he will not write about slavery
C) to show that he is sympathetic to Sancho’s cause
D) to encourage Sancho to publish his letters

Answer:

C) to show that he is sympathetic to Sancho’s cause

The reason for Sancho's writing is to persuade Sterne to compose more messages against slavery. This is reflected in the passage from Letters of the Late Ignatius Sancho, an African who desires to inform the public about the agony and abuse in slavery.

The purpose of writing by Sterne was to show that he is sympathetic to Sancho’s cause. This means that Sterne empathizes with Sancho and his fight against slavery.

What is a Text Purpose?

This refers to the reason for writing that an author undertakes when he wants to convey a message to his readers.

Hence, we can see that from the complete text, there is the use of narration to show the reason why Sterne was writing and this is to show that he supports Sancho and is sympathetic to his cause.

The support by Sterne was to encourage Sterne to write more about slavery, which would help to expose the evils of slavery and ultimately put an end to it, as well as enlighten others.