What best describes how Wheatleys word choice in To the Most Excellent Majesty expresses her colonial values?

It's tricky to say that Wheatley's word choice in "To the Most Excellent Majesty" definitively expresses her colonial values, as the poem is complex and can be interpreted in different ways. Here's a breakdown of how her word choice could be seen as reflecting colonial values, but also how it might be interpreted differently:

Colonial Values Reflected:

* Subservient Language: Wheatley uses language that positions herself as subservient to the British monarchy. Words like "humble," "submissive," "grateful," and "duteous" highlight a sense of respect and deference towards the King. This aligns with the prevailing power dynamic in colonial society, where colonists were expected to be loyal subjects of the British crown.

* Emphasis on Divine Right: The poem emphasizes the King's divinely appointed authority, referring to him as "heaven's choice" and "God's anointed." This reflects the belief in the divine right of kings, a key aspect of the political ideology of the time.

* Praise of British Civilization: Wheatley praises British civilization, specifically referring to its "arts" and "commerce." She portrays Britain as a beacon of progress and refinement, contrasting it with the "savage" state of the American colonies before British rule.

Counterarguments:

* Ambiguity of "Gratitude": While Wheatley expresses "gratitude" for British rule, it's not clear whether she is genuinely expressing personal feelings or simply using a rhetorical device common in courtly poetry of the time.

* Potential for Subversion: Some scholars argue that Wheatley's praise of Britain could be interpreted as a subtle form of resistance. By highlighting the injustices faced by enslaved Africans, she might be implicitly criticizing the hypocrisy of a nation that champions liberty while perpetuating slavery.

* A Complex Identity: Wheatley's identity as an enslaved African woman, a poet, and a colonial subject is complex. Her word choice in the poem might be reflecting the internal conflict of navigating these multiple identities.

In conclusion:

While Wheatley's word choice in "To the Most Excellent Majesty" contains elements that reflect the prevailing colonial values of the time, it's essential to acknowledge the poem's nuanced nature and potential for alternative interpretations. Rather than seeing her words as a straightforward expression of colonial ideology, it's more accurate to view them as a reflection of her unique historical and personal context.