In the twilight of 1775, a poem of praise for the burgeoning revolution found its way to the newly appointed General George Washington. The poem, invoking the goddess of the nascent nation to champion the general’s righteous cause, was penned by an unlikely author – a young Black woman named Phillis Wheatley, who had spent over a decade in slavery.
Phillis Wheatley arrived in the colonies on a slave ship in 1761. She was purchased by Susanna and John Wheatley in Boston to serve in their household. However, in an unexpected turn of events, they taught her to read and write. Over the next decade, Wheatley immersed herself in poetry and religious texts, eventually beginning to create her own verses.
Her work was published in a local newspaper, and in 1771, her elegy for the renowned reverend George Whitefield captured the public’s imagination. The poem’s repetitive rhythms, dramatic religious references, and soaring spiritual language painted a vivid picture of Whitefield’s sermons that “inflame the soul and captivate the mind.” Wheatley’s moving tribute found an audience in both the US and England, and her identity as an enslaved woman added to the fascination surrounding her and her work.
In 1773, Phillis traveled to London, where her collection of “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral” became the first book of poetry published by an African-American woman. The book was filled with profound meditations on life, death, and religion, as well as Biblical and classical references. In “A Hymn to Humanity,” Wheatley linked these themes to her own creative growth, portraying herself as a muse smiled upon by heavenly bodies.
Despite facing criticism from many white Americans who believed Black people were incapable of producing intellectual and creative work, Wheatley’s work was admired by prominent European writers and politicians.
While Wheatley rarely wrote directly about her experiences as an enslaved person, many readers have found a more nuanced critique hidden within her work. For example, Wheatley was a vocal supporter of American independence, writing that her “love of freedom” came from early experiences of being kidnapped into slavery and separated from her parents. When disparaging England’s imperial control, she evokes imagery of an “iron chain.” By comparing her lack of freedom to America’s lack of independence, Wheatley subtly laments her own circumstances.
Upon returning from London, Wheatley secured her freedom. The reasons for her emancipation aren’t entirely clear, but some believe she bargained to make emancipation a condition of her return. Despite the hardships she faced, including the death of her three children in infancy and her own untimely death, Wheatley’s poetry lives on today—celebrating creative growth and offering spiritual sustenance.
While much of Wheatley’s story has been lost to the ravages of history, like those of countless other enslaved peoples, her legacy as perhaps the most famous African on the planet during her time, and as a pioneering figure in African-American literature, remains intact.
Write your own poem inspired by Phillis Wheatley’s style. Choose a theme such as freedom, hope, or resilience. Use vivid imagery and emotional language to convey your message. Share your poem with the class and discuss how it relates to Wheatley’s work.
Imagine you are Phillis Wheatley presenting your poem to General George Washington. Write a short speech explaining the significance of your poem and how it supports the American Revolution. Perform your speech in front of the class.
Design a new book cover for Phillis Wheatley’s “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral.” Include elements that reflect the themes and historical context of her work. Present your design and explain your choices.
Read one of Phillis Wheatley’s poems and compare it to a poem by another author from the same period. Identify similarities and differences in themes, style, and language. Write a short essay discussing your findings.
Create a timeline of Phillis Wheatley’s life, highlighting key events such as her arrival in the colonies, publication milestones, and her emancipation. Include illustrations and brief descriptions for each event. Display your timeline in the classroom.
Revolution – A forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favor of a new system. – The French Revolution of 1789 brought significant political and social changes to France and ultimately led to the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Goddess – A female deity or divine being. – In Greek mythology, Athena is known as the goddess of wisdom, courage, and strategic warfare.
General – A high-ranking military officer, typically in command of a large body of troops. – General George Washington played a crucial role in leading the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
Righteous cause – A morally justifiable reason or purpose. – Mahatma Gandhi fought for India’s independence from British rule, considering it a righteous cause.
Black woman – A woman who identifies as being of African descent. – Maya Angelou, a renowned black woman, was an influential writer, poet, and civil rights activist.
Slavery – The system in which individuals are treated as property and forced to work without consent. – The transatlantic slave trade involved the forced enslavement and transportation of millions of Africans to the Americas.
Poetry – Literary work in which special intensity is given to the expression of feelings and ideas through the use of distinctive style and rhythm. – “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe is a famous poem known for its dark and haunting atmosphere.
Religious texts – Sacred writings that hold religious or spiritual significance within a particular faith or belief system. – The Quran is the central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be a revelation from God.
Elegy – A poem or song expressing sorrow or lamentation, often for someone who has died. – “O Captain! My Captain!” by Walt Whitman is an elegy written in honor of President Abraham Lincoln after his assassination.
African-American literature – Literary works written by African-Americans that explore their experiences, culture, and identity. – “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston is a classic novel of African-American literature that explores themes of love, self-discovery, and empowerment.
