Question

Document 4. William Harper, Memoir on Slavery, 1837.

It may perhaps be meant that the chastity of wives is not protected by law from the outrages of violence. I answer, as with respect to their lives, that they are protected by manners, and their position. Who ever heard of such outrages being offered? At least as seldom, I will venture to say, as in other communities of different forms of polity. Our reason doubtless may be, that often there is no disposition to resist. Another reason also may be, that there is little temptation to such violence, as there is so large a proportion of this class of females who set little value on chastity, and afford easy gratification to the hot passions of men.

Which of the following best explains what Harper means when he notes in this passage that the law does not protect the "chastity of wives" from the outrages of violence?

A.
Enslaved men have no exclusive property rights over the bodies of their wives, as was the case for white men.

B.
Enslavers had the legal right to physically punish their slaves, whether they were men or women.

C.
Plantation owners and white men in general were no threat to the chastity of enslaved women because southern society so objected to interracial sexual relationships.

D.
There was no need to provide for such protections because plantation owners had economic incentives not to harm their property.

Answer 1

Answer:

A

Explanation:

Our reason doubtless may be, that often there is no disposition to resist.