RESEARCH PAPER 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. This is why I imagine one of her poems was
Words: 1353 - Pages: 6
While poet Phillis Wheatley certainly focused upon the “permanent structure of ideas” that is most significant in our society- religion, freedom, integrity- she was fairly unsuccessful at achieving a canonical status for most if not all of her works. Wheatley’s achievements were undoubtedly impressive, yet much attention was paid to her race rather than her talent. While a canonical work by definition creates a powerful literary legacy, after her initial fame Phillis Wheatley was “no longer a revelation
Words: 2651 - Pages: 11
the way of life may mark their fellow citizens who embrace an alternate religion as backstabbers. Others outside that nation may call them mentally programmed. Wheatley was in this circumstance, and she attempted to persuade individuals this wasn't valid. The poem "On Being Brought from Africa to America" represents this point. Wheatley wrote in the first line, "Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land.1" Could she truly have implied that Africa was characteristically a Pagan area? She had when
Words: 909 - Pages: 4
Phillis Wheatley was an African-American born in 1753 in the country of Senegal. At a very young age around 8 years old, she was kidnapped then bought by John Wheatley as a gift to serve Susanna Wheatley. Phillis’ intellectual ability was something not to go unnoticed, soon she was amazingly given educational lessons in subjects such as English, Greek, and even History. She was not taught to serve and slave but rather taught to be a part of the Wheatley family. She put together her very first poem
Words: 355 - Pages: 2
She Is Charlie The orange sun that kisses my caramel skin….. That cooool summer breeze that leaves my thick cocoa milky Oh yes cocoa butter sent lingering under your nose as I walk pass… Can you imagine the thought of these rich chocolate lips so soft and smooth as you indulge yourself in my mango sweet kisses… so sweet yet tangy with a hint of sour green apple? Can you imagine? Sirens jingle Alarm clock screams & you come to see that it was nothing but a fantasy Can you imagine
Words: 1525 - Pages: 7
Phillis Wheatley: The Life of a Mastermind The African American intellectual prodigy, Phillis Wheatley once stood on the slave block awaiting sale. In 1761 at the age of seven or eight, Phillis was purchased by a Boston merchant, Mr. John Wheatley, for his wife. Mrs. Wheatley chose Phillis, young as she was, because of her" humble and modest demeanor” (Odell 9). Mrs. Wheatley initially hopes to train Phillis to replace the aging house slaves and to be her companion, since Mrs. Wheatley's
Words: 1455 - Pages: 6
Enlightenment • Phillis Wheatley, “To S.M., a Young African Painter, on Seeing his Works.” 1773 (poem) Requirements: * Record your initial reaction to the work (suggested length of 1 paragraph or half a page) by doing the following: 1. Describe your initial thoughts and/or feelings about the work. 2. Describe in detail at least one aspect of the work that most interests you. A. In this poem, Ms. Wheatley conveys that an artist’s pencil transfers words to life. Imagination is very dynamic
Words: 1104 - Pages: 5
Historical perspective of young Goodman Brown Phillis Wheatley was the first African poet. During the time of slavery when Africans were not provided basic needs and were considered unworthy of Christianity or to enjoy the citizenship rights of America, she raised her voice through the pen. She was a patriotic American and Christian during those times when her race was considered less human. During that cruel time, Wheatley did not let any obstacle hinder her passion for poetry. She overcame all
Words: 722 - Pages: 3
Have you ever heard of Phillis Wheatley. She is one of my favorite poets. in fact , she is one of the first african american woman to write, and publish a poem. Phillis was bon in Senegal/Gambia. Phillis had lived her sweet life, with her loved one’s until one day she was captured. Im sure she never thought that there would be benefits from this, coming from stories of africans being enslaved and living in harsh condition. Considering she was only seven or eight at the time must have been terrifying
Words: 431 - Pages: 2
Francis Scott Key and Phillis Wheatley were very important people and they accomplished so many things. Francis Scott Key was born August 1, 1779 in Frederick County, Maryland and died from pleurisy at the age of 63 on January 11, 1843 in Baltimore, Maryland.His nationality was American. He was born to Charlton and Captain Key on the family plantation of Terra Rubra. His father was a lawyer, judge and officer in the Continental Army. Francis Scott Key was educated at home until the age of 10. He
Words: 581 - Pages: 3