Phillis Wheatley

Definition

Phillis Wheatley was the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry, making her a significant figure in American literature during the 18th century. Born in West Africa and enslaved as a child, she was educated by her owners and went on to write poems that often addressed themes of religion, freedom, and the human experience. Her work not only showcased her literary talent but also challenged prevailing notions about race and gender during a time when both were highly restrictive.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Phillis Wheatley's book, 'Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral,' was published in 1773 and is considered a landmark in American literature.
2. Wheatley was recognized by prominent figures of her time, including George Washington, who acknowledged her talent and the significance of her work.
3. Her poetry often used the neoclassical style, reflecting the literary trends of her era while also infusing her unique perspective as an African American woman.
4. Wheatley's life and work serve as important examples of the complex intersections of race, gender, and authorship in early American literature.
5. Despite her achievements, Wheatley faced challenges in being taken seriously as a poet due to the racial prejudices of her time, illustrating the societal limitations placed on African Americans.

Review Questions

• How did Phillis Wheatley's background as an enslaved person influence her poetry and themes?
  • Phillis Wheatley's experience as an enslaved person deeply influenced her poetry, as she often explored themes of freedom, faith, and the human condition. Being brought from Africa to America as a child exposed her to both the brutality of slavery and the opportunities for education provided by her owners. This unique perspective allowed her to articulate complex ideas about liberty and identity in her work, making her poetry not only a reflection of her own life but also a commentary on the broader experiences of African Americans.
• Analyze how Phillis Wheatley's use of neoclassical elements in her poetry reflects the literary trends of her time while also conveying her personal voice.
  • Phillis Wheatley's poetry employed neoclassical elements such as structured forms and allusions to classical literature, aligning her work with popular literary trends of the 18th century. However, within this framework, she infused her personal voice by addressing topics like slavery and spirituality that were relevant to her own experiences. This duality showcases how she navigated the expectations of her contemporary literary environment while asserting her identity as a poet with a distinct perspective shaped by her background.
• Evaluate the impact of Phillis Wheatley's achievements on perceptions of race and gender in American literature during the 18th century.
  • Phillis Wheatley's achievements had a significant impact on perceptions of race and gender in American literature during the 18th century by challenging prevailing stereotypes about African Americans and women. As the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry, she demonstrated that black individuals could produce high-quality literature worthy of recognition. Her success prompted discussions about race, intellect, and artistry at a time when such ideas were often dismissed. By asserting herself in a male-dominated literary world, Wheatley paved the way for future generations of writers to challenge societal norms surrounding race and gender in their own works.

Related terms

Enslavement: The practice of owning individuals as property, depriving them of personal freedom and forcing them to work without compensation.

Neoclassicism:

An artistic and literary movement that drew inspiration from the classical art and literature of ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizing order, reason, and formality.

African American Literature: A body of literature produced by writers of African descent in the United States, often addressing themes of race, identity, and social justice.