Prejudice And Irony In Phillis Wheatley's Poetry
Despite Phillis Wheatley being an African American former slave in the 1760's, Phillis managed to overcome unimaginable obstacles that and become a successful poet. Around the age of seven Phillis Wheatley was kidnapped and was sold into slavery to the Wheatley's. Unlike many white slave owners the Wheatleys cared deeply for Phillis, so they decided to teach her how to read and write, which was illegal during this time. Phillis Wheatley played a very vital role in American history, despite being sold into slavery Phillis manage to overcome all obstacles and break down barriers to become the well known astounding poet she is today. One of Wheatley’s poems that received the most attention is the one she wrote for George Washington, 'To the King's Most Excellency Majesty'. Wheatley greatly admired George Washington and his bravery, so much that she dedicated one of her poems to him. He …show more content…
Although many of the themes of her poems did vary , she never explicitly wrote about racial discrimination or slavery. “Her poems mirror her religious and classical New England upbringing. Wheatley never centered her poems on the theme of racial equality." Instead of writing about racial equality she took advantage of her gift and wrote about what truly spoke to her. Without meaning to she eventually broke down the barrier and created their own African American literature. Most of her writing were based on historical Figures that she admired, such as George Washington, and she often wrote about the Revolutionary war and shared her opinions about them. “Wheatley’s poems reflected several influences on her life. For example, the famous poets she studied, such as Alexander Pope and Thomas Gray.” As shown about Phillis wrote about topics that she felt very strongly about and who she had the utmost respect
The Revolutionary Era Crossroads Of Freedom Chapter Summaries
1226 Words | 5 PagesAs a young girl she was frail in health and very intelligent. Phillis learned to speak English and read the Bible and religious writing with fluency. At the age of thirteen, her first poem was published. She was the first African American slave to publish a book of poems on various subjects. This is important because although she was bought as a servant her owner noticed her frail health and high intelligence and did not uses her as a slave, instead, encouraged her to pursue her intellectual desire.
How Did Phillis Wheatley Criticize Slavery
171 Words | 1 PagesIn some of the works that Phillis Wheatley created she does not directly criticize slavery in her poetry she only accepts that it exists. In her poem On Being Brought from Africa to America she acknowledges that racism exist in America she states “Some view our sable race with scornful eye,” (Para 5) this reflects how people viewed slaves as being subhuman. As Wheatley continues to the next line stating “Their colour is a diabolic die." (Para 6) using quotation marks this shows an elaboration on her point that there are negative societal views on black people. I feel the reason she wrote this way is in the eighteenth century people did not view Africans as human beings they were seen as being creatures.
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Phillis Wheatley's Impact On The Revolutionary War
251 Words | 2 PagesDid you know that Phillis Wheatley traveled to London because she was such a good poet? She was born on May 8 1753, in Gambia. In this paper you will learn about Phillis Wheatley’s childhood, education, how they impacted the Revolutionary War, and other interesting facts! Her early childhood was very interesting.
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2649 Words | 11 PagesHistorical Information from Author’s Time Phillis Wheatley wrote her groundbreaking poems in an era known as the Revolutionary Era. This time in history was one of struggles and gaining independance, much like Phillis’ life story. These struggles came when America had declared a war on England in order to become their own free nation. Undoubtedly the war against England and America effected Wheatley. From seeing riots in the streets to hearing differing political groups argue, mercilessly, for their
On Being Brought From Africa To America By Phillis Wheatley
3258 Words | 14 PagesWhen the war started many African Americans joined the English who promised their freedom after the war. On the other hand, Phillis Wheatley believed in the patriot side of the war due to her belief that it was over a significant cause. Wheatley published her first poem a couple of years earlier, providing long-lasting hope to the black community until her last breath (“Contribution…Literature”). Wheatley, despite being a slave, put her faith in the people who altered her life. Michals expresses how, “… Wheatley’s literature and artistic talents helped show that African Americans were equally capable, creative, intelligent human beings.”
Summary Of Incidents In The Life Of A Slave Girl
2053 Words | 9 PagesThe beginning of the 17th Century marked the practice of slavery which continued till next 250 years by the colonies and states in America. Slaves, mostly from Africa, worked in the production of tobacco and cotton crops. Later , they were employed or ‘enslaved’ by the whites as for the job of care takers of their houses. The practice of slavery also led the beginning of racism among the people of America. The blacks were restricted for all the basic and legally privileged rights.
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Religion In Phyllis Wheatley's Poetry
616 Words | 3 PagesReligious Effects Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral by Phyllis Wheatley was the first book to be published by a black American, and “On being brought from Africa to America” was probably one of the most famous poems included in the book. It discusses Wheatley’s experience of being taken as a slave, and the religious effects of the experience. Religion played a great role in shaping Wheatley’s outlook on many subjects. “On being brought from Africa to America” expresses religion’s effect on Wheatley through her word choices and the overall message of the poem.
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