Notes on Phillis Wheatley Essays

Notes on Phillis Wheatley Essays Notes on Phillis Wheatley Essay Notes on Phillis Wheatley Essay perhaps thus nudging the reader to a more critical view of slavery or at least a more positive view of those who are slaves. Sable as a self-description of her color is a very interesting choice of words. Sable is very of the next line. Diabolic die may also be a subtle reference to another side of the triangle trade which includes slaves. At about that same time, the Quaker leader John Woolman was boycotting dyes in order to protest slavery. In the second-to-last line, the word Christian is placed ambiguously. She may either be addressing her last sentence to Christians or she may be including Christians in those who may be refined and find salvation. She reminds her reader that Negroes may be saved. The implication of her last sentence is also this: the angelic train will include both white and black. In the last sentence, she uses the verb remember implying that the reader is already with her and Just needs the reminder to agree with her point. She uses the verb remember in the form of a direct command. While echoing Puritan preachers in using this style, Phillis Wheatley is also taking on the role of one who has the right to command: a teacher, a preacher, even perhaps a master or mistress. What can be said is that the poems of Phillis Wheatley display not only classical quality but restrained emotion as well. Many deal with the Christian sentiments she learned from her masters. Often times, Wheatley uses classical mythology and ancient history as allusions, including many references to the muses as inspiring her poetry in a clear imitation of the great authors that she had studied earlier in her life. She speaks to the white establishment, not to fellow slaves nor, really, for them. This is most likely why individuals feel she was a traitor to her race. The perception of Wheatleys work changed over time. In its prime it was found to be profound that the writings of a black woman could add toward the notions that blacks were ntellectually inferior and incapable of being as equally influential as their white counterparts being disapproved. However, as time progressed, blacks began to treat Wheatleys poems as works of treason against her own race, even going as far as to call her an Uncle Tom or sellout. What must be understood is that the time period in which Wheatley wrote and the time period in which man individuals read her works are drastically different. It is generally individuals of later generations who feel that Wheatley was a traitor to her race for speaking so highly of the whites who enslaved her. Their error is not looking into the reality of the situation. Yes, it is unfortunate that Wheatley was taken from her homeland and shipped thousands of miles on an overcrowded boat to a new nation which she knew nothing of. The exception is that this is probably the worst part of Phillis Wheatleys experience as a slave. She had the opportunity t be well educated, and it is clear that her owners cared well for her. There is no doubt that she was well fed and well dressed. The Wheatleys certainly were not going to have her appear and travel as a representation of them in an unkempt appearance. Phillis certainly knew that there was a cruel and unfair side of enslavemt but she didnt experience it and that was showcased in her poems. It seems almost unfair to blame her for writing her opinions on the experience in slavery that she had. Instead of criticizing Wheatleys poems individuals should Just take them for what they are and learning from them. Each time period is filled with authors who have different points of view and different subjects that are important to them as writers. Rather than viewing Wheatleys works as an act of treason they what it was like for slaved during that time period. It is most likely that Whetley was not the only slave who did not have the typical slave experience and was afforded opportunities rare for the masses. On Being Brought from Africa to America is one of Phillis Wheatleys most discussed pieces. Her points of view are profound and her experience is rare. This is almost more of a history piece than a poem because it allows insight on every aspect of the experience of slavery. Although all may not agree with her views, it cannot be removed that her intellect and abilities reached far beyond her years and gave her works the resilience to transcend generations.