Phillis Wheatley

Definition

Phillis Wheatley was the first published African American poet, known for her neoclassical style and profound themes of freedom, religion, and identity. Her work emerged during the Enlightenment era, where ideas of reason, individualism, and liberty influenced her writing and provided a unique perspective on the experiences of enslaved people in America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Phillis Wheatley was born in West Africa around 1753 and was sold into slavery at a young age, later being brought to Boston, Massachusetts.
2. Her poetry was published in 1773 under the title 'Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral,' making her the first African American woman to publish a book.
3. Wheatley's work was often written in a neoclassical style, reflecting Enlightenment ideals while addressing themes like freedom and the human experience of suffering.
4. She gained recognition from prominent figures such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, who acknowledged her talent despite societal prejudices against her as an enslaved woman.
5. Her poems challenged prevailing notions of race and intellect, illustrating that African Americans could produce sophisticated literature and contribute to American culture.

Review Questions

• How did Phillis Wheatley's background influence her poetry and themes?
  • Phillis Wheatley's background as an enslaved African American shaped her poetry by infusing it with themes of freedom, identity, and the struggle against oppression. Having been brought to America at a young age, she navigated the complexities of her status as a slave while also embracing education and literacy. This duality is reflected in her work, where she often explores the tension between her experience of bondage and the Enlightenment ideals of liberty and rational thought.
• Discuss how Phillis Wheatley’s poetry reflects Enlightenment ideals despite her status as an enslaved person.
  • Phillis Wheatley's poetry embodies Enlightenment ideals through its focus on reason, individualism, and moral reflection. Despite her status as an enslaved person, she articulated profound thoughts on liberty and humanity. By employing a neoclassical style that aligns with Enlightenment thought, she challenged societal norms regarding race and intellect while advocating for both personal and collective freedom in her writing.
• Evaluate the impact of Phillis Wheatley's work on contemporary discussions about race, identity, and literature in America.
  • Phillis Wheatley's work had a lasting impact on contemporary discussions about race, identity, and literature by paving the way for future African American writers. Her success as a published poet challenged stereotypes about black intellectual capacity during a time when such beliefs were prevalent. By asserting her voice through literature, Wheatley not only contributed to the cultural landscape of America but also laid the groundwork for future movements advocating for civil rights and equality in literary representation.

Related terms

Neoclassicism: An artistic movement that drew inspiration from the classical art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizing harmony, restraint, and adherence to established forms.

Enlightenment:

An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional doctrines, influencing various fields including literature, philosophy, and politics.

Abolitionism: A movement aimed at ending slavery and promoting equal rights for all individuals, particularly in the context of 18th and 19th century America.