Question

Whittier used imagery and symbols to depict the struggle between the North and the South over the issue of slavery. For example, in the first verse, "East" refers to the northeastern states that were free of slavery. Kansas Territory is the "West" to which Whittier wants to bring "the homestead of the free." What references to the North and the South can you find?

Answer 1

A reference to the North about slavery would be the North Star (symbol of hope and optimism). A reference for the South in slavery would be a jail cell for how incriminating it felt to be treated as property..