On Being Brought From Africa To America By Phillis Wheatley

Imagine you are taken from your home and brought to a land where you are seen as an outcast, how would you feel? Born in Africa and sold into slavery around 1761 around the age of eight, Phillis Whatley started her journey. She was sold to a married couple located in Boston to perform as their domestic servant. During her time, Wheatley was taught how to read and write while still being a slave. Around age twelve, Phillis Wheatley published her first poems, which became vastly popular. Over the next several years, Wheatly’s work became sensational. One of her most favored poems published in 1763 called, “On Being Brought From Africa to America,” explained her story from the darkness into light. On the other hand, Wheatley’s personal life got

When the war started many African Americans joined the English who promised their freedom after the war. On the other hand, Phillis Wheatley believed in the patriot side of the war due to her belief that it was over a significant cause. Wheatley published her first poem a couple of years earlier, providing long-lasting hope to the black community until her last breath (“Contribution…Literature”). Wheatley, despite being a slave, put her faith in the people who altered her life. Michals expresses how, “… Wheatley’s literature and artistic talents helped show that African Americans were equally capable, creative, intelligent human beings.” Therefore, the horror of the Revolutionary War showed the white race that both groups can work together to fight an enemy. Also, through one of her most famous poems, “To His Excellency George Washington,” Wheatley argues for the freedom of the black slaves would give America the peace it desires. Overall, Wheatley advocates for African Americans through her aptitude she has in

Sold into slavery at nine years old, Wheatley found her calling in life through her owners teaching her how to read and write. In the middle years of her life, Wheatley published several poems and wrote her first book. Some works like “To His Excellency to George Washington”, explain the terror and challenges for African Americans during the Revolutionary War. Another important aspect of Wheatley was her religion. Christianity helped shape Wheatley’s life and the messages she incorporated in her writings. Furthermore, “what makes her exceptional is that she accomplished it while being a slave” (“Contribution…Literature). During this period, slaves did not receive the same blessings as white people did, yet Wheatley prevailed through those barriers. Therefore, Phillis Wheatley’s life accomplishments have greatly impacted the world of poetry and literature that would influence the abolitionist movement and American