Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley, a slave in pre-Revolutionary War Boston, caused a stir in white society when a book of her poetry was published in England in 1753. At the time, many whites considered blacks to be inferior. They wondered how a girl brought from Africa at 8 years of age could be reading Latin and writing fine poetry in the style of the great English poets of the age by the time she was 12.

Even though Wheatley lived with a family who recognized her talent, educated her, and promoted the publication of her work, the public was highly skeptical. Wheatley had to be examined by the governor of Massachusetts and a board of leading lawyers, ministers and prominent members of Boston society who finally attested, in a letter to the public, that she was capable of writing the poems.

This testimony sent shockwaves through the colonies because the assumption about the inferiority of blacks was brought into question. People believed that Africans were not fully human because they had no written literature. The fact that African literature followed an oral, rather than written, tradition was ignored.

Whether or not her poetry convinced people otherwise, Wheatley's writing was well received. It fit neatly into the neoclassical conventions of the day. There was a formal elegance and correctness in order and proportion, dignity and restraint.

Her poems followed a precise form of rhythm called iambic pentameter and rhyme known as the heroic couplet. In keeping with those traditions, her subjects were often drawn from Greek mythology or the Christian Bible.

Some people today say that Wheatley should have written about the African people. Others say that even though her poetry conforms to the Western European tradition, there is a politically subversive message that isn't initially evident.

Wheatley was the first American woman and the first black writer to publish a book in North America. Phillis was the name of the boat that brought her to America; Wheatley was her master's surname.

On Being Brought from Africa to America

'Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land, Taught my benighted soul to understand That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too: Once I redemption neither sought nor knew. Some view our sable race with scornful eye, "Their colour is a diabolic die." Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain, May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train.

 Why do you think certain words are set in italics?

 Phillis was very religious, and apparently grateful to be brought up in the Wheatley's devout household. Does this poem suggest her gratitude, or does it hint that whites might have a lot to learn?

 Identify specific words that support your answer.