Introduction: “On Being Brought from Africa to America” by Phillis Wheatley
“On Being Brought from Africa to America” by Phillis Wheatley first appeared in 1773 in the collection Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral. This groundbreaking work, written by an enslaved African woman, is celebrated for its poetic skill, religious themes, and critique of slavery. The poem explores the complex experiences of the enslaved and questions the morality of the transatlantic slave trade. Wheatley’s powerful message, coupled with her exceptional talent, made her a significant figure in American literature.
Text: “On Being Brought from Africa to America” by Phillis Wheatley
‘Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,
Taught my benighted soul to understand
That there’s a God, that there’s a Saviour too:
Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.
Some view our sable race with scornful eye,
“Their colour is a diabolic die.”
Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain,
May be refin’d, and join th’ angelic train.
Annotations: “On Being Brought from Africa to America” by Phillis Wheatley
| Line Number | Text | Annotation |
| 1 | ‘Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land, | The speaker reflects on her journey from Africa to America, viewing it as an act of divine mercy that rescued her from a pagan (non-Christian) life. |
| 2 | Taught my benighted soul to understand | “Benighted” refers to being in a state of moral or intellectual darkness. Here, it suggests that the speaker was enlightened about God and religion after arriving in America. |
| 3 | That there’s a God, that there’s a Saviour too: | This line affirms the speaker’s newfound Christian faith, recognizing both God and Jesus as her savior. |
| 4 | Once I redemption neither sought nor knew. | The speaker admits that before her conversion, she was unaware of and uninterested in Christian redemption. |
| 5 | Some view our sable race with scornful eye, | “Sable race” refers to black people, acknowledging that they are often looked upon with contempt and prejudice. |
| 6 | “Their colour is a diabolic die.” | This line includes a direct quote that illustrates the racist belief equating black skin with evil or sin (here, “die” probably means “dye,” referring to skin color). |
| 7 | Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain, | The speaker calls on Christians to remember that black people, though stigmatized like the biblical Cain, are capable of spiritual refinement and salvation. |
| 8 | May be refin’d, and join th’ angelic train. | Concludes with a hopeful note that black individuals can be purified and ascend to heaven, joining the angels. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “On Being Brought from Africa to America” by Phillis Wheatley
| Literary Device | Definition | Example | Function |
| Allusion | A reference to a famous person, place, event, or work of literature | “Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain” (referencing the biblical figure Cain) | Connects the poem to a well-known story, reinforcing the theme of redemption and sin. |
| Apostrophe | Addressing someone or something absent or inanimate as if it were present and capable of understanding | “Some view our sable race with scornful eye” | Directly addresses those who hold prejudiced views about African Americans, heightening the emotional impact. |
| Contrast | The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas or images | “Once I redemption neither sought nor knew” (contrasts with the current state of understanding) | Emphasizes the transformative power of religion and education. |
| Diction | The author’s choice of words | “benighted soul” (suggests ignorance and darkness) | Creates a sense of spiritual darkness before conversion. |
| Imagery | The use of vivid language to create mental images | “sable race” (evokes images of darkness and mystery) | Reinforces the theme of racial prejudice. |
| Irony | A contrast between what is expected or intended and what actually happens | “Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land” (suggests that slavery was a mercy) | Creates a sense of paradox and highlights the injustice of slavery. |
| Metaphor | A comparison of two unlike things without using “like” or “as” | “Their colour is a diabolic die” (compares the color of African Americans to a mark of evil) | Reinforces the prejudiced belief that African Americans are inherently sinful. |
| Parallelism | The use of similar grammatical structures | “Taught my benighted soul to understand / That there’s a God, that there’s a Saviour too” | Creates a rhythmic and memorable quality, emphasizing the importance of faith. |
| Personification | Giving human qualities to non-human things | “Some view our sable race with scornful eye” (attributes human emotions to a group of people) | Makes the prejudice against African Americans more tangible and relatable. |
| Repetition | The repeated use of words, phrases, or sounds | “Remember, Christians” | Emphasizes the importance of the message to Christians and reinforces the theme of redemption. |
| Rhyme | The correspondence of sounds at the end of words | “land” and “understand,” “too” and “knew” | Creates a musical and memorable quality, enhancing the poem’s emotional impact. |
| Symbolism | The use of objects, characters, or events to represent something else | “sable race” (symbolizes African Americans) | Reinforces the theme of racial prejudice and discrimination. |
| Syntax | The arrangement of words in a sentence | “Some view our sable race with scornful eye” (places the object of prejudice before the subject) | Highlights the negative perception of African Americans. |
| Tone | The author’s attitude toward the subject matter | Hopeful and defiant | Creates a sense of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. |
| Theme | The central idea or message of the poem | The transformative power of religion and the injustice of racial prejudice | Provides a unifying thread throughout the poem. |
Themes: “On Being Brought from Africa to America” by Phillis Wheatley
Theme 1: Gratitude and Spiritual Awakening
Wheatley’s poem is a testament to the transformative power of faith. Brought from her native Africa to the American colonies, she was introduced to Christianity. This encounter marked a profound spiritual awakening, as she transitioned from a life steeped in pagan beliefs to one centered around the Christian faith. Wheatley expresses deep gratitude for this experience, recognizing it as a divine act of mercy that led her to salvation and a deeper understanding of God. Her conversion serves as a powerful reminder of the life-changing potential of faith and the transformative power of divine grace. As she writes, ” ‘Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land, Taught my benighted soul to understand / That there’s a God, that there’s a Saviour too.”
Theme 2: The Pervasiveness of Racism
Wheatley’s poem also sheds light on the pervasive racism of her time. She candidly addresses the prejudice and discrimination faced by Black people, who were often viewed as inferior and dehumanized solely because of their skin color. Wheatley challenges the prevailing stereotypes and stereotypes, asserting that their worth is not determined by their race. Her words serve as a poignant reminder of the historical injustices and systemic racism that have plagued Black communities for centuries. As she writes, “Some view our sable race with scornful eye, ‘Their colour is a diabolic die.'”
Theme 3: The Potential for Equality and Redemption
Despite the challenges and injustices they faced, Wheatley asserts that Black people have the potential for spiritual refinement and equality. She argues that their skin color does not define their worth or their capacity for redemption. Wheatley calls on her fellow Christians to recognize the inherent dignity of all human beings, regardless of their race. Her message is a powerful call to action, urging individuals to challenge their own biases and work towards a more just and equitable society. As she writes, “Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain, / May be refin’d, and join th’ angelic train.”
Theme 4: The Transformative Power of Redemption
Wheatley’s poem is a testament to the transformative power of redemption. Her own journey from paganism to Christianity serves as a powerful example of the life-changing potential of faith. By embracing Christianity, Wheatley found a sense of purpose, belonging, and spiritual fulfillment. Her story highlights the transformative power of faith and the possibility of redemption for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. As she writes, “Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.”
Literary Theories and “On Being Brought from Africa to America” by Phillis Wheatley
| Literary Theory | Description | Application to Wheatley’s Poem |
| Formalism | Focuses on the form and structure of a literary work, analyzing elements like language, imagery, and symbolism. | Examines Wheatley’s use of poetic devices like metaphor, allusion, and rhyme to convey her message and create a powerful emotional impact. |
| Feminist Criticism | Examines how gender is represented and constructed within literature, often focusing on the experiences of women. | Explores Wheatley’s perspective as an enslaved African American woman, highlighting the challenges and limitations she faced. It also analyzes how she uses language to challenge stereotypes and advocate for equality. |
| Postcolonial Criticism | Examines the effects of colonization on literature and culture, often focusing on themes of power, identity, and resistance. | Analyzes Wheatley’s poem as a response to the colonial experience, exploring how she negotiates her identity as both an African and an American. It also examines the ways in which she critiques the colonial system and its impact on enslaved people. |
Major Themes “On Being Brought from Africa to America” by Phillis Wheatley
- Religious Redemption and Conversion: The primary theme of Phillis Wheatley’s poem “On Being Brought from Africa to America” revolves around the concept of religious redemption and conversion. The speaker reflects on her past ignorance of Christianity and her subsequent enlightenment: “Taught my benighted soul to understand / That there’s a God, that there’s a Saviour too” (lines 2-3). This transformation is presented as a divine intervention or “mercy” that rescued her from her “Pagan land” (line 1). Wheatley uses her personal story to highlight the Christian belief in salvation and redemption, portraying her journey not just as a physical relocation but as a spiritual awakening that brought her closer to God and salvation.
- Racism and Prejudice: Wheatley addresses the prevalent racism and prejudice in her new environment directly in the poem. Despite the Christian context that should espouse equality and acceptance, she points out the scorn with which black individuals are often regarded: “Some view our sable race with scornful eye, / ‘Their colour is a diabolic die'” (lines 5-6). These lines criticize the hypocrisy of her contemporaries who profess Christian values while harboring racial prejudices. The mention of “sable race” and the association of their skin color with something “diabolic” confronts the reader with the harsh realities of racial discrimination, even among the faithful.
- Equality and Spiritual Universality: Wheatley emphasizes the theme of spiritual equality and universality in Christianity. She urges her audience, presumably those who hold prejudiced views, to remember that black individuals, too, are capable of spiritual purity and redemption: “Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain, / May be refin’d, and join th’ angelic train” (lines 7-8). Here, Wheatley uses the biblical allusion to Cain, who is marked by sin, to argue that even those deemed the lowest or the most sinful have the potential for redemption and can attain heavenly grace. This is a powerful assertion of universal salvation and spiritual equality under God, challenging the societal norms of her time.
- Identity and Transformation: The poem also explores themes of identity and transformation. Wheatley’s personal transformation from a “pagan” to a Christian mirrors the potential transformation in societal attitudes towards race and spirituality. By describing her own enlightenment and eventual redemption, she presents a narrative of transformation that is both personal and prescriptive. This dual transformation—both of the self and of societal perception—is encapsulated in the journey from Africa to America, symbolizing a move from darkness to enlightenment, from exclusion to inclusion within the Christian faith.
Critical Questions about “On Being Brought from Africa to America” by Phillis Wheatley
- · How does Wheatley’s religious conversion shape her understanding of her enslavement?
- Wheatley’s religious conversion provides a framework through which she interprets her experiences as an enslaved person. She views her enslavement as a divine test or trial, a means of spiritual redemption. This perspective allows her to find meaning and purpose in her suffering, suggesting that her captivity is part of a larger divine plan. Lines like “Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land” and “Taught my benighted soul to understand” emphasize the transformative power of religion in her life.
· How does Wheatley use language to challenge racial stereotypes and prejudices?
- Wheatley employs language strategically to counter prevailing stereotypes about African Americans. By emphasizing her intelligence and spiritual refinement, she challenges the notion that enslaved people are inherently inferior. Lines like “Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain, / May be refin’d, and join th’ angelic train” assert the possibility of racial equality and spiritual redemption.
· What is the significance of the poem’s title, “On Being Brought from Africa to America”?
- The title suggests a journey from one cultural context to another, a transition from the familiar to the unfamiliar. This journey is fraught with challenges and uncertainties, but it also offers opportunities for growth and transformation. By emphasizing the physical and cultural displacement of enslaved Africans, Wheatley highlights the profound impact of the transatlantic slave trade on individuals and communities.
· How does Wheatley’s poem contribute to the development of African American literature?
- Wheatley’s poem is a significant milestone in the development of African American literature. As one of the first published works by an African American woman, it challenges the prevailing stereotypes about enslaved people and their intellectual capabilities. Her work paved the way for future generations of African American writers, demonstrating the power of literature to give voice to marginalized experiences and to challenge oppressive systems.
Literary Works Similar to “On Being Brought from Africa to America” by Phillis Wheatley
- “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” by Langston Hughes: Similarity: Both poems explore themes of racial identity and profound historical consciousness, connecting the personal with the universal.
- “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou: Similarity: Like Wheatley’s work, Angelou’s poem is a defiant response to the historical and ongoing oppression of African Americans, celebrating resilience and empowerment.
- “Middle Passage” by Robert Hayden: Similarity: This poem delves into the horrors of the slave trade journey from Africa to America, echoing Wheatley’s backdrop of being brought from Africa under traumatic circumstances.
- “Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou: Similarity: Angelou’s poem metaphorically discusses the struggles for freedom faced by African Americans, resonating with Wheatley’s own transition from physical and spiritual bondage to liberation.
- “America” by Claude McKay: Similarity: McKay’s poem critiques America through the lens of an African American, grappling with both love and hate for the country, a tension that Wheatley also subtly navigates as she reflects on her forced migration and subsequent redemption.
Suggested Readings: “On Being Brought from Africa to America” by Phillis Wheatley
- Carretta, Vincent. Phillis Wheatley: Biography of a Genius in Bondage. University of Georgia Press, 2011.
- Gainey-O’Toole, Charita Elaine. ” Strange Longings”: Phillis Wheatley and the African American Literary Imagination. Diss. Harvard University, 2017.
- Gates, Henry Louis Jr. “Phillis Wheatley on Trial.” New England Quarterly, vol. 83, no. 1, 2010, pp. 24-45.
- Smith, Casey. “Phillis Wheatley: Simple Imitator or Cunning Abolitionist?.” Journal of Student Research at Indiana University East 5.1 (2023).
- Shields, John C. The Trials of Phillis Wheatley: America’s First Black Poet and Her Encounters with the Founding Fathers. Basic Civitas Books, 2003.
Representative Quotations of “On Being Brought from Africa to America” by Phillis Wheatley
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land” | Wheatley’s religious conversion and her belief that her enslavement was a divine test or trial. | Formalism: This line highlights the poem’s theme of religious redemption and its use of religious imagery to convey a spiritual message. |
| “Taught my benighted soul to understand” | Wheatley’s journey from spiritual ignorance to enlightenment. | Feminist Criticism: This line suggests that Wheatley’s education and conversion empowered her to challenge societal norms and stereotypes. |
| “Some view our sable race with scornful eye” | The prevalence of racial prejudice and discrimination against African Americans. | Postcolonial Criticism: This line reflects the colonial power dynamics and the dehumanization of enslaved people. |
| “Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain, / May be refin’d, and join th’ angelic train” | Wheatley’s call for racial equality and spiritual redemption. | Formalism: This line demonstrates Wheatley’s use of parallelism and repetition to emphasize her message. |
| “Their colour is a diabolic die” | The harmful stereotype that African Americans are inherently sinful. | Postcolonial Criticism: This line highlights the ways in which colonial ideology perpetuated racial stereotypes to justify slavery. |