3.1 Lives and historical context of Wheatley and Hammon

Phillis Wheatley and Jupiter Hammon were pioneering African American poets in colonial America. Despite being enslaved, they received education and produced groundbreaking literary works, challenging racial prejudices and demonstrating intellectual capabilities.

Their poetry blended European literary traditions with unique perspectives as enslaved individuals. They explored themes of freedom, identity, and spirituality while navigating complex relationships with their enslavers and overcoming societal barriers to become published authors.

Lives of Wheatley and Hammon

Early Life and Enslavement

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• Phillis Wheatley born in West Africa around 1753, enslaved and transported to Boston at age 7 or 8
• Purchased by Wheatley family, given classical education including Latin, Greek, and English literature
• Jupiter Hammon born into slavery on Long Island, New York, in 1711, owned by Lloyd family
• Hammon received limited education, worked as clerk and bookkeeper for Lloyd family
• Both faced unique challenges as enslaved individuals pursuing literary endeavors in colonial America
  • Navigated complex relationships with enslavers who provided education while maintaining oppression
  • Overcame societal barriers and prejudices against African American intellectual capabilities

Literary Achievements

• Wheatley published first poem at age 13, demonstrating early literary talent
• Became first published African American poet with 1773 collection "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral"
  • Collection covered various themes (religion, morality, nature)
  • Garnered international attention and acclaim
• Hammon's poem "An Evening Thought: Salvation by Christ with Penitential Cries" (1760) marked first known published work by African American in North America
  • Focused on religious themes and salvation
• Both authors incorporated Christian themes and classical allusions in their works
  • Demonstrated mastery of European literary traditions (Homeric epics, Biblical references)
  • Maintained distinct voices and perspectives as enslaved African Americans

Context of Wheatley and Hammon's Work

Social and Political Landscape

• 18th century America characterized by institution of slavery and strict racial hierarchies
• Limited opportunities for enslaved individuals in education and professional pursuits
• American Revolution (1765-1783) occurred during Wheatley and Hammon's lifetimes
  • Influenced their political and social perspectives (liberty, freedom, equality)
• Attitudes towards slavery beginning to shift in parts of the North
  • Early abolitionist movements emerging (Pennsylvania Abolition Society, 1775)
• Religious institutions played significant role in shaping literary and cultural discourse
  • Puritan and evangelical churches influenced themes and moral frameworks in literature

Intellectual and Cultural Movements

• American Enlightenment influenced intellectual thought during this period
  • Emphasized reason, scientific inquiry, and individual rights
• Great Awakening movement shaped religious perspectives and literary styles
  • Focused on personal spiritual experiences and emotional expressions of faith
• Growing print culture in colonial America provided opportunities for publication
  • Increasing literacy rates among colonists
  • Circulation of newspapers and books expanded (Boston Gazette, Pennsylvania Journal)
• Access to education for enslaved individuals extremely rare
  • Made Wheatley and Hammon's literary achievements even more remarkable
  • Highlighted exceptional nature of their intellectual pursuits

Enslavement and Literary Accomplishments

Challenging Racial Prejudices

• Wheatley and Hammon's works challenged prevailing racist notions about African American intellectual capabilities
  • Demonstrated advanced literary skills and knowledge of classical works
  • Forced recognition of African American literary talent among white readers
• Their literary accomplishments served as powerful arguments against slavery and racial prejudice
  • Influenced early abolitionist thought and discussions on racial equality
  • Provided concrete evidence of African American intellectual potential
• Reception and criticism of their works heavily influenced by their status as enslaved individuals
  • Often required authentication or sponsorship from white patrons (Thomas Jefferson, John Wheatley)
  • Subjected to scrutiny and skepticism regarding authorship

Themes and Perspectives in Their Works

• Tension between enslaved status and roles as published authors reflected in themes and perspectives
  • Explored concepts of freedom, identity, and spirituality within constraints of slavery
• Works often incorporated dual perspectives
  • Embraced European literary traditions while maintaining distinct African American voices
  • Balanced Christian themes with subtle critiques of slavery and racial inequality
• Wheatley's poetry garnered international attention and acclaim
  • Addressed topics ranging from religion to politics (ode to George Washington)
  • Utilized neoclassical style while infusing personal experiences as an enslaved woman
• Hammon's writings focused heavily on religious themes
  • Explored concepts of salvation, morality, and spiritual freedom
  • Used Biblical allusions to comment on physical bondage and spiritual liberation