Introduction: “On Being Brought from Africa to America”
Phillis Wheatley, upon initial reading of “On Being Brought from Africa to America,” may appear as an ordinary black poetess, composing poetry during a time when it was challenging for even white women to engage in such literary pursuits. However, what distinguishes her among her contemporaries is her intellectual prowess and her adeptness at writing with connotative meanings that suggest multiple interpretations. While superficially, many of her poems seem to offer flattering portrayals of prominent figures of her time, beneath the surface lies an imperceptible undercurrent of rebellion, expressed in veiled terms that require a nuanced understanding to fully grasp. Some may argue that her rebellion is a restrained response to the shifting societal norms of her era. This rebellion manifests through her employment of irony in her poems, her references and allusions to Greek literature, and her continual invocation of God and longing for the freedom she once possessed.
Praise and Rebellion in “On Being Brought from Africa to America”
Wheatley employs irony in her poetry, often appearing to shower excessive praise while subtly critiquing societal norms. In “On Being Brought from Africa to America,” she begins with the line “‘Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,” which, upon closer examination, reveals the irony of being forcibly brought to America as a slave rather than through any genuine act of mercy or divine purpose. This irony becomes even more apparent in the line “Their color is diabolic die,” highlighting the discrimination based on skin color rather than any benevolent intentions. Similarly, in her poem “To the Right Honourable William, Earl of Dartmouth,” she speaks of “Fair Freedom rose New England to adorn,” expressing a yearning for freedom that she ultimately attained, as evidenced by her pointed query, “Wonder from whence my love of Freedom sprung.” Through these seemingly benign remarks, Wheatley’s rebellious nature shines through, challenging societal injustices and advocating for freedom and equality.
Rebellion in “On Being Brought from Africa to America”
Phillis Wheatley’s rebellion extended to challenging the accepted norms of her Puritan era by openly referencing and praising ancient Greek culture, which was unconventional during that time. In her poem “To Maecenas,” she boldly invokes Homer and the celestial gods, a departure from the prevailing Puritan attitudes that frowned upon such references to pagan beliefs. Wheatley’s inclusion of references to the Muses, Virgil, and Patroclus in the same poem further underscores her defiance of literary conventions.
Additionally, while expressing gratitude to God in her poems, Wheatley subtly critiques earthly authorities, as seen in her acknowledgment of being brought to America safely yet referring to it as “The land of errors.” She also challenges racial discrimination by asserting in her poem “To the Right Honourable William, Earl of Dartmouth” that all humans are “lovely copies of the Maker’s plan,” implying that racial discrimination is a human construct rather than a divine decree. Such bold assertions reflect Wheatley’s rebellious nature and her willingness to express unconventional thoughts, ultimately establishing her as a prominent and recognized poet despite her origins as a slave.
Conclusion: Rebellion in “On Being Brought from Africa to America”
In short, Phillis Wheatley lived in a time when expressing thoughts contrary to prevailing norms was highly challenging. However, she defied these norms and garnered the support of her masters in breaking the taboos of poetry writing, despite being a slave girl. Her poetry carries imperceptible strains of rebellion, portraying her as a true trailblazer of her era. Not only did she break the chains of slavery, but she also achieved great renown for her literary contributions.
Works Cited: “On Being Brought from Africa to America”
- Wheatley, Phillis. “On being brought from Africa to America.” The Open Anthology of Earlier American Literature 435 (1773).
Relevant Questions about “On Being Brought from Africa to America”
- How does Phillis Wheatley’s poem “On Being Brought from Africa to America” challenge prevailing attitudes towards race and religion in colonial America?
- In what ways does Wheatley employ irony and satire to address the themes of freedom, identity, and religious conversion in her poem?
- How does Wheatley reconcile her Christian faith with the experience of being forcibly brought from Africa to America as a slave, and how does this reconciliation shape the overall message of the poem?
