Comparing Phillis Wheatley And Maria W. Stewart

Anne Bradstreet and Phillis Wheatley are two of the most important early American poets. Bradstreet was the first published American poet and Wheatley is considered to have begun the black American literary tradition (Norton, 110, 403). Both of these incredible women made enormous strides for the development of American literature at a time when it was difficult for women to be taken seriously as authors, and it is striking to notice the similarities between their individual styles. For example, both writers use descriptions of nature in conjunction with their reflections on religion. Bradstreet’s work “Contemplations” heavily features descriptions of the environment of the New World.

We note from this poem that Wheatley was not concerned with poetry as a narrative, but the focus was on ideas and concepts that incorporated in this short poem as a Christianity, racism and enslavement. The story of bringing her from Africa to America as a "mercy". Also, focus that no one even "Negroes" is possible to be Christians, God accepts all people means that Christianity makes us equal, regardless of skin color, race, and so on (Shmoop). Knowing that Phillis Wheatley was a prominent icon in America to overcome the difficulties and be able to appearing, but the slavery that was experienced because of race, ethnic racism, did not publish all her poems because the vast majority in America did not like and did not want to mix with blacks (Acton/ American

So long ago was the life of Phillis Wheatley, one of the most influential African American writers of her time, but her admired works of literature remain immortal. In merely eight lines of iambic pentameter, Wheatley’s notorious poem, “On Being Brought from Africa to America” delivers a more optimistic opinion and addresses how her faith has freed her during somber times of slavery. Using personification and allusions, Phillis Wheatley relates Christianity with her personal experiences of slavery in her renowned poem, “On Being Brought from Africa to America.” Wheatley uses a great amount of personification to explain her personal interaction with Christianity. Her first four lines identify mercy supporting her by bringing her from her homeland

The writers of the Harlem Renaissance era exhibited strength through their writing that transcended to their communities. The Harlem Renaissance was sparked by writers looking to end racial injustice, highlight the beauty of African American culture, and explore their African American heritage through their writing. Racial injustice was a common and

It just simply would not work, because Martin Luther King is known for being a strong African American. I think sticking to the race enhances the play’s realness. However I do believe that there should be more opportunities with plays that have different races in them. Thanks to August Wilson’s work, I came to the conclusion on what I truly believe about colorblind casting and what side I take. August was a complex man.

In fact, African American autobiography can be traced back to slave narratives which were popular both before and during the Abolitionist Movement. According to Costanzo, autobiography appealed to the eighteenth century black man because it enabled the freed slave to narrate his “interesting and remarkable tale” and also provided scope “to scrutinize his life for purpose of self-discovery and identification in the alien world of the west” (Surprising Narrative: 8). A slave narrative, like Douglass’s My Bondage and My Freedom while presenting the life of an individual slave is an epitome of “black experience” in that it explores the condition of the blacks in America, the exploitation of the blacks by whites, and the racist and materialistic American Society. “They [the slave narratives] give us eyewitness accounts of the furnace of misery in the Old South that supplied raw materials for the Industrial Revolution” (Butterfield, Black Autobiography:

“Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain, May be refin’d, and join th’ angelic train” (Lines 7-8). Wheatley’s overall message for the poem is that blacks can be saved and “join th’ angelic train”. This shows how Wheatley desires to spread the good news of Christianity to everyone, not just whites. She wished to express to the readers that faith in God was possible to both blacks and whites, despite how they are treated in a racist society. Phyllis Wheatley was greatly influenced by her religion, and it showed throughout all of her poetry.

While the Pilgrims thought it was too strict and wanted to let loose of some of things they felt was not necessary as a Christian. So they both sought out of England in search of a new Life and new beginning. As for both groups originally coming from England were similar in ways of getting away from King James. Both group agreed on the way Kings James treated them and they very much dislike his wicked treatment. Both of their journeys had a great cause of the separation from England.

Aside from his highly praised works such as “I, Too” and “The Weary Blues,” Hughes faced heavy criticism for his more in-depth poems. Surprisingly, the judgement came from fellow black writers. Hughes was already under the watchful eye of a few of these famed writers at the early age of twenty-four (“Langston Hughes”). What set him apart from other writers at his age, was that Hughes was in love with the good and bad sides of being black in America. Most black writers wanted to take the beauty of being black and magnify it.

This is because the criticism of slavery in the South did not exist. Many masters thought slavery was the will of God. Although, many ministers did not support slavery and therefore left the religion. During 12 Years a Slave many masters quote versus in the bible that portray slavery, thinking that slavery is good in God’s eyes. One of Northup’s most repulsive owners, Edwin Epps, quotes Luke 12:47 to his slaves: “And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.” When he has a good harvest, Epps attributes it to “righteous living”; when the crops die, he claims it must be a “biblical plague” brought on by his slaves’

He makes it clear that the actions that are performed by the slaveholders contradict the testament that they live so much for. Intending to target the more faithful Christian audience, Douglas remarks the character known as Captain Thomas Auld for his hypocrisy. “Master Thomas was one of the many pious slaveholders who hold slaves for the very charitable purpose of taking care of them” (33). This sentence holds much ambiguity – double meanings – to the words and description of Thomas. “Pious,” “charitable,” and “taking care,” all hold connotations of caring, loving.

Eventually, white dependence on blacks wore away at the space to such an extent that blacks had freedom even while they were in the bonds of slavery. The Spanish did not let the Pueblos into their spaces in the same way, but they did interbreed, and that served to break down divisions between the two. Another important factor the built up to the Pueblo revolt was the religion of the Pueblos. They were loath to part with what their worldview told them was true, and they continued their spiritual beliefs and traditional practices even through mass false conversions to Christianity. The strength with which the Pueblo people held to their beliefs was great enough to preserve ancient practices in spite of death threats from the Spanish.

This is a clear example of the expressive form of worship. By singing the hymns, African Americans are able to express their joy, lament, and adoration to God. Costen also argues that spirituals are spontaneous testimonials and documentation of existential experiences, theological beliefs, and attitudes. When African Americans sing spirituals, they somehow commemorate their past experiences. They savor the significance of God’s love which resulted in their freedom from slavery.

They were prominent figures in the women’s rights movement who were influenced by gospel music. She organized the first women’s rights convention and formed the National Women’s Loyal League. Her self-determination helped a large amount of people. These are just a few examples of outcomes that occurred because of gospel music. Gospel music was an effective response to slavery, for as it spread across the South, movements associating with abolitionist groups occurred frequently and soon slaves were emancipated.