On Being Brought from Africa to America by Phillis Wheatley

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On Being Brought from Africa to America (1773) is based on Phillis Wheatley’s personal experience as a young girl who was enslaved and purchased, then brought to the American colonies in 1767. The poem used to argue regardless of races, people are capable of finding salvation through Christianity. Wheatley gives a powerful yet gentle challenge to racism in America. [1]

Poetry

'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. [2]

Author

Phillis Wheatley Peters, spelled Phyllis and Wheatly born in 1753, West Africa, was the first African-American woman poet to have published a book of poetry. [3]

She was sold into slavery, after being transported from West Africa to America, and purchased by the Wheatley family. Later, she was taught to read, write, and learn several languages. [4]

Wheatley was brought to Boston, Massachusetts in 1761 on an enslaved personship and was purchased as a personal servant to John Wehatley’s wife. In 1767, she published her first poem and first volume of verse, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, in 1773. [5]

Phillis Wheatley was the first black woman poet of note in the United States. [6]

Racism Issue

The major theme of the poem was about mercy, divinity, racism. The speaker, throughout the poem, talks about God’s mercy and one’sindiferent attitude towards the African-American people. Though people speak about equality before God, they never let black community enjoy the blessings of life as they treat people of color like animals, which damages their mental health. [7]

In this poem, the speaker describes being taken from her non-Christian homeland as an act of kindness and compassion. Suche experience gave her the opportunity to learn about Chirstianity and redemption through Jesus Christ. This is something that is unfamiliar to her and could not be found in her homeland.

The author also speaks out the truth that people look down on African American, interpreting their dark skin color as a sign of evil. However, the author reminds one of the biblical figure, Cain, whose dark color also has access to redemption and salvation. [8]

References

  1. On Being Brought from Africa to America Summary & Analysis. Lit Charts. Retrieved January 17, 2021
  2. On Being Brought from Africa to America BY PHILLIS WHEATLEY. Poetry Foundation. Retrieved January 17, 2021
  3. Phillis Wheatley. Wikipedia. Retrieved January 17, 2021
  4. ON BEING BROUGHT FROM AFRICA TO AMERICA. Common Lit. Retrieved January 17, 2021
  5. Phillis Wheatley Biography. Biography. Retrieved January 17, 2021
  6. Phillis Wheatley American poet. Britannica. Retrieved January 17, 2021
  7. On Being Brought from Africa to America. Literary Devices. Retrieved January 17, 2021
  8. On Being Brought from Africa to America Summary & Analysis. Lit Charts. Retrieved January 17, 2021