“On Being Brought from Africa to America”
By: Phillis Wheatley
Phillis Wheatley’s autobiography was so prevalent
during the 1700s, because she was a product of slavery. Ms. Wheatley’s autobiography really exposed the close-minded views of the European and white Americans of that era. Phyllis Wheatley’s writing reflected the racism that African-Americans suffered, and the lost of identity that the blacks were trying to regain. Ms. Wheatley really did not grow up in a bad environment. Yes, she was once a slave, but her master & mistress indulged her thirst for knowledge by letting her learn how to read, and write. Her master also, let Ms. Wheatley study English, Latin literature, and the bible. Phillis Wheatley’s stand was that liberty should be available to every man, and she wanted to display that black slaves were just as intelligent as whites were. Ms. Wheatley, also voiced her opposition against slavery, and she was hoping that a revolution would erupt soon to liberate them. She identified herself as intelligent and highly skilled as a writer regardless of her status as a former slave. Ms. Wheatley also wants to be known for her role in trying to get equal rights or at least be heard. She really did not have to write in secret, as some slaves had to do. Nevertheless, she instead had to prove herself to an unbelieving audience who doubted a slave could produce a poem. Blacks like Phillis Wheatley had to prove that they were capable of functioning intellectually like their so-called superiors. Ms. Wheatley was inspired by her experience of being enslaved and created poems that were praised by many.