Submitted by: Submitted by Mysonisaac1
Views: 322
Words: 1394
Pages: 6
Category: US History
Date Submitted: 04/07/2013 06:50 PM
Phillis Wheatley's work presents an excellent example of the triumph of optimism over experience.
Who is Phillis Wheatley? That is what I asked myself upon learning of a reading assignment. We were assigned to read Phillis Wheatley’s poem “On being brought from Africa to America”. Prior to reading the poem I decided to research the life of Phillis Wheatley. I did this so that I could have a better understanding of what I was about to read. I learned Phillis Wheatley, one of America’s most profound writers, has contributed greatly to American and immigration literature. As one of America’s most renowned writers, Wheatley, is best known for her sympathetic portrayals of African American thought. Wheatley’s literary contributions are vast in nature and distinguish her apart from most writers of her era. Her writings are favored by people of all ethnic backgrounds. This is why I imagine one of her poems was chosen for reading in our Stories of Immigration course.
Phillis Wheatley was born on the West coast of Africa. Her exact birthplace is unknown; however it is assumed that she was born near Senegambia. Wheatley’s birthplace is assumed to be near Senegambia because it was in this territory that Wheatley and others were introduced into the despicable conditions of slavery. Kidnapped by slave agents at the age of seven, young Phillis had to endure the struggle to America alone. Phillis probably survived the grim voyage to America only because she was in a loose pack. If she had been part of a tight pack she might not have survived.
In the next few sentences I will share with you some of Wheatley’s experience in America. You will discover some of the hardships Wheatley faced. I ask that as you read and think of the experiences that are being described, place yourself in Wheatley’s shoes. What would you do? How would you feel? Would you choose to live a life of optimism or pessimism? Phillis Wheatley was kidnapped at a young age; stripped from the arms...