Phillis Wheatley: A Pioneering African American Poet

Phillis Wheatley: An Icon of African American Literature

Phillis Wheatley, born circa 1753 in West Africa, was forcibly taken to America as part of the transatlantic slave trade. She was purchased by the Wheatley family in Boston, who provided her with an education uncommon for enslaved individuals at the time. Under the tutelage of the Wheatley's daughter, Phillis learned to read and write, eventually becoming proficient in Latin and Greek. Her remarkable literary talent led to the publication of her book "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral" in 1773, which included the notable poem "On Being Brought from Africa to America." Wheatley's achievements were groundbreaking as she became the first African American female poet to be published, navigating the complex intersection of race, slavery, and gender.

"On Being Brought from Africa to America": A Convergence of Faith and Identity

"On Being Brought from Africa to America" is a succinct yet powerful poem that encapsulates Wheatley's nuanced perspective on her African heritage and her experience in America. The poem opens with a tone of thankfulness for her Christian conversion, which she views as a redemptive transformation from her origins in a "Pagan land." Wheatley then confronts the prejudices of her era, challenging the association of blackness with inherent wickedness and advocating for the spiritual equality of all individuals. Through her work, she calls on fellow Christians to recognize the inclusive principles of their faith, thereby critiquing the contradictions between Christian teachings and the practice of slavery.

Mastery of Poetic Form in Wheatley's Writings

Phillis Wheatley's poetry is distinguished by her skillful adaptation of classical poetic forms to articulate her experiences and viewpoints. Her poem "On Being Brought from Africa to America" is structured with rhyming couplets in an AABBCCDD pattern and is written in iambic pentameter, a meter prevalent in the works of notable English poets such as Alexander Pope. Wheatley's command of these literary conventions not only showcases her technical proficiency but also allows her to engage with and contribute to the prevailing literary culture of her time.

Symbolism and Literary Devices in Wheatley's Poetry

The poetry of Phillis Wheatley is imbued with rich figurative language and symbolism, which she employs to deepen the impact of her themes and connect with her readers. In "On Being Brought from Africa to America," Wheatley uses personification, biblical allusion, and irony to underscore her messages. She personifies mercy as the agent of her arrival in America, invoking the Christian ideal of divine grace. The allusion to "black as Cain" serves to subvert the stigma associated with blackness, while her use of irony highlights the contradictions between the Christian values professed by many and their treatment of people of African descent.

The Evolving Tone of Wheatley's Signature Poem

The tone of "On Being Brought from Africa to America" evolves from initial appreciation for spiritual salvation to a more admonishing stance towards the hypocrisy of Wheatley's contemporaries. Wheatley begins by expressing gratitude for the Christian faith that has been imparted to her, but she soon adopts a more critical tone, calling out the failure of white Christians to embody the inclusive and egalitarian teachings of their religion. This shift in tone serves a dual purpose: it celebrates Wheatley's personal religious journey while also challenging the racial prejudices and exclusionary behaviors prevalent in her society.

The Enduring Influence of Phillis Wheatley's Literary Work

Phillis Wheatley's legacy as a pioneering figure in American literature is profound. Her status as the first published African American female poet represents a monumental achievement in the face of the era's oppressive social constraints. Her poetry, especially "On Being Brought from Africa to America," is a testament to her intellectual acumen and her eloquent expression of the complexities of life as an enslaved African in America. Wheatley's work transcends her personal story, offering a critique of the societal norms of her time and advocating for the principles of equality and inclusion central to Christian doctrine. Her enduring legacy continues to inspire and resonate with readers, affirming her place as a foundational voice in African American literary history.