Phillis Wheatley, the first published African American female poet, is celebrated for her 1773 book 'Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral.' Her work, particularly 'On Being Brought from Africa to America,' addresses themes of faith, identity, and the critique of slavery's contradiction with Christian values. Wheatley's mastery of poetic form and use of literary devices like symbolism and irony enhance her poignant messages on racial equality.
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Phillis Wheatley was born in West Africa around 1753 and was later forcibly taken to America as part of the transatlantic slave trade
Tutelage of the Wheatley's daughter
Phillis Wheatley received an uncommon education for an enslaved individual at the time, under the tutelage of the Wheatley's daughter
Wheatley's remarkable literary talent led to the publication of her book "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral" in 1773, making her the first African American female poet to be published
"On Being Brought from Africa to America" is a powerful poem that encapsulates Wheatley's nuanced perspective on her African heritage and her experience in America
Thankfulness for Christian conversion
Wheatley expresses gratitude for her Christian conversion, viewing it as a redemptive transformation from her origins in a "Pagan land."
Confronting prejudices and advocating for equality
Through her work, Wheatley challenges the association of blackness with inherent wickedness and advocates for the spiritual equality of all individuals
Critiquing the contradictions of Christianity and slavery
Wheatley calls on fellow Christians to recognize the inclusive principles of their faith, critiquing the contradictions between Christian teachings and the practice of slavery
Wheatley skillfully adapts classical poetic forms to articulate her experiences and viewpoints, showcasing her technical proficiency and engaging with the literary culture of her time
Personification and Biblical Allusion
Wheatley uses personification and biblical allusion to underscore her messages, invoking the Christian ideal of divine grace and subverting the stigma associated with blackness
Irony
The use of irony in the poem highlights the contradictions between the Christian values professed by many and their treatment of people of African descent
The tone of the poem shifts from initial appreciation for spiritual salvation to a more critical stance towards the hypocrisy of Wheatley's contemporaries
The shift in tone serves a dual purpose, celebrating Wheatley's personal religious journey while also challenging the racial prejudices and exclusionary behaviors prevalent in her society
Wheatley's legacy as a pioneering figure in American literature continues to inspire and resonate with readers, affirming her place as a foundational voice in African American literary history
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Phillis Wheatley's education, which was rare for enslaved people, led to her proficiency in ______ and ______, and her book 'Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral' was published in ______.
Latin
Greek
1773
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Wheatley's perspective on African heritage
Views African origins positively; sees Christian conversion as redemption from 'Pagan land'.
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Wheatley's challenge to racial prejudices
Confronts era's biases; argues against blackness as wickedness; promotes spiritual equality.
