<p>America’s first published African American poet, Phillis Wheatley, born in Senegal, was sold into slavery to John and Susannah Wheatley of Boston around 1760.</p><p>At an early age, Phillis displayed remarkable talents and published her first poem in 1770 when she was just 17 years old. Three years later, a volume of her poetry was published in London and Wheatley became a sensation.</p><p>Wheatley’s poetry dealt with the themes of politics, religion and slavery – her first published piece was a eulogy to the evangelical preacher George Whitefield. But, she was also a patriot and admirer of George Washington, about whom she wrote the poem To His Excellency, General Washington. </p><p>Wheatley died in 1784 at the age of 31. 1. From the notes, which of the three themes does this poem address?</p><p>2. Explain TWO of the examples of personification found in the poem (see attached sheet)? Why do you think she uses personification?</p><p>3. Check Comprehension 1-3 and Interpret 2</p>