Phillis Wheatley

Definition

Phillis Wheatley was the first published African American female poet in the United States, whose work emerged during the 18th century. Her poetry reflects the complexities of colonial society, addressing themes of race, identity, and freedom, while also engaging with Enlightenment ideas and classical traditions. As a former enslaved person who gained her freedom through her literary success, Wheatley became a significant figure in both literature and the early abolitionist movement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Phillis Wheatley was born in West Africa and brought to Boston as an enslaved child in 1761, where she was educated by her owners, John and Susanna Wheatley.
2. Her poetry was published in 1773, making her the first African American to publish a book of poetry, titled 'Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral.'
3. Wheatley's work often challenged prevailing attitudes toward race by showcasing her intellect and literary talent, despite societal expectations for Black individuals at the time.
4. She wrote poems that praised prominent figures such as George Washington, highlighting her engagement with contemporary political issues during the American Revolution.
5. After gaining her freedom in 1773, Wheatley continued to write but struggled to find a publisher for her later works, reflecting the challenges faced by Black writers in a racially divided society.

Review Questions

• How did Phillis Wheatley's background as an enslaved person influence her writing and themes in her poetry?
  • Phillis Wheatley's background as an enslaved person profoundly influenced her writing, allowing her to address themes of identity, freedom, and racial injustice. Her experiences shaped her perspective on liberty and equality, which she articulated through her poetry. Wheatley's ability to navigate both classical traditions and Enlightenment ideas while being a Black woman in colonial America demonstrates her unique position as an intellectual and poet in a society that often marginalized her voice.
• In what ways did Wheatley's poetry reflect or contribute to the discussions surrounding the American Revolution?
  • Wheatley's poetry directly engaged with the discussions surrounding the American Revolution by addressing ideas of liberty and freedom. She wrote poems that praised revolutionary leaders like George Washington, thereby aligning herself with the cause for independence. By connecting her personal experiences with broader themes of freedom, Wheatley's work not only reflected the sentiments of the time but also contributed to the growing discourse on human rights and equality in the context of a nation striving for independence.
• Evaluate the significance of Phillis Wheatley’s contributions to literature and social justice movements in America during colonial times.
  • Phillis Wheatley’s contributions to literature were groundbreaking as she became the first published African American female poet, challenging racial stereotypes through her intellect and creativity. Her work laid important groundwork for future generations of Black writers and poets who would follow. Moreover, by using her platform to address issues of slavery and liberty, she contributed to early social justice movements that would eventually gain momentum in abolitionism. Her legacy remains crucial in understanding both literary history and the fight for racial equality in America.

Related terms

Enlightenment:

An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, influencing many writers and thinkers of the time.

Abolitionism:

A social and political movement aimed at ending slavery and promoting the rights of enslaved individuals, which gained momentum in the late 18th and 19th centuries.

American Revolution:

A period of colonial revolt against British rule from 1775 to 1783, leading to the establishment of the United States and influencing discussions about liberty and rights for all individuals.