7.2 Phillis Wheatley's Poetry

Phillis Wheatley, born in West Africa and enslaved in colonial America, became the first published African American poet. Her work challenged notions of race and slavery, gaining recognition from figures like George Washington and Voltaire.

Wheatley's poetry explored religious themes, employed classical allusions, and addressed political issues. Despite facing numerous challenges as an enslaved Black woman, her success paved the way for future generations of African American writers.

Phillis Wheatley's Life and Poetry

Historical context of Wheatley's poetry

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• Phillis Wheatley born in West Africa around 1753 brought to colonial America as a slave
  • Purchased by the Wheatley family in Boston, Massachusetts who recognized her intelligence provided her with an education
• Wheatley's poetry published during the early years of the American Revolution
  • Work challenged prevailing notions of race and slavery in colonial America
  • Became the first published African American poet (Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, 1773)
• Wheatley's poetry gained recognition both in the American colonies and in Europe
  • Praised by prominent figures such as George Washington and Voltaire
  • Success as a poet helped challenge the belief that African Americans were intellectually inferior

Themes in Wheatley's poems

• Wheatley's poetry explores religious and spiritual themes
  • Frequently references Christian imagery and teachings
  • Poems such as "On Being Brought from Africa to America" reflect on her journey from paganism to Christianity
• Employs classical allusions and forms in her poetry
  • Demonstrates knowledge of Greek and Roman mythology and literature (references to Minerva, Aesop's fables)
  • Use of heroic couplets and other traditional poetic forms showcases mastery of the craft
• Poems address political and social issues of her time
  • "To His Excellency General Washington" praises the leader of the American Revolution
  • "On the Death of General Wooster" mourns the loss of a fallen hero in the fight for independence

Challenges for Wheatley in colonial America

• As an enslaved person, Wheatley navigated restrictions and limitations placed upon her
  • Required permission from her owners to pursue education and writing
  • Freedom and ability to write dependent on the goodwill of her enslavers
• Wheatley had to prove authorship and defend intelligence
  • Underwent examination by a panel of Boston luminaries to verify she had written her poems
  • Examination necessary to counter skepticism about an African American woman's literary abilities
• Identity as both an African American and a woman made her an outsider in the literary world
  • Navigated expectations and prejudices of a society that devalued both her race and gender
  • Despite talent and success, faced ongoing discrimination and challenges throughout her career

Impact on African American literature

• Wheatley's poetry paved the way for future generations of African American writers
  • Success demonstrated African Americans could make valuable contributions to literature
  • Inspired other enslaved and free African Americans to pursue education and creative expression (Jupiter Hammon, George Moses Horton)
• Work helped establish a tradition of African American literature
  • Poetry laid the foundation for later writers such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobs
  • Proved African American voices and experiences were worthy of being heard and celebrated
• Wheatley's legacy continues to be celebrated and studied today
  • Poetry remains an important part of the American literary canon
  • Life and work are testament to the resilience and creativity of African Americans in the face of oppression