Phillis Wheatley

Identification and basic context

Phillis Wheatley Peters, commonly known as Phillis Wheatley, was an American poet of African descent. She was born in West Africa, likely in the Gambia region, around 1753. She was brought to America as a slave and purchased by the Wheatley family of Boston. She died in Boston on December 5, 1784. Her family background is unknown due to her enslavement, but she was of Senegambian origin. She was enslaved for most of her life and wrote in English. Her life and work took place during the pre-Revolutionary and Revolutionary periods of American history, a time of intense debate over liberty and enslavement.

Childhood and education

Wheatley was kidnapped from her home in West Africa at a young age, likely around seven years old. She was transported across the Atlantic in the Middle Passage and sold into slavery to John Wheatley in Boston. The Wheatley family, particularly Susanna Wheatley, recognized her intelligence and provided her with an exceptional education, including Latin and Greek, literature, and the Bible. This education was highly unusual for an enslaved person at the time. Her early influences were the classical texts she studied and the religious teachings of her enslavers.

Literary trajectory

Wheatley began writing poetry at a young age. Her first published poem appeared in the *Newport Mercury* in 1767. Her literary success culminated in the publication of 'Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral' in London in 1773, making her the first African American to publish a book of poetry. This achievement was extraordinary, as she had to prove her authorship to skeptical white audiences. She also contributed poems to newspapers and other publications. She did not engage significantly in literary criticism or translation.

Works, style, and literary characteristics

Her major work is 'Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral' (1773). Dominant themes include religious faith, virtue, liberty, the African experience, and reflections on life and death. Her style is largely neoclassical, characterized by rhyming couplets, iambic pentameter, and formal diction, reflecting her classical education. Her poetic voice is often eloquent and reasoned, though it carries the implicit critique of slavery through its very existence and intellectual merit. Her language is refined and elevated. Wheatley's innovation lay in her existence as a Black poet in America, challenging racial stereotypes through her literary accomplishments.

Cultural and historical context

Wheatley's life and work are inextricably linked to the context of colonial America and the growing abolitionist sentiment. She lived during a period when the hypocrisy of fighting for American liberty while upholding slavery was becoming increasingly apparent. Her ability to publish a book of poetry was a significant event that drew attention to the intellectual capabilities of enslaved people. She was a contemporary of figures like Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, with whom she corresponded. She belonged to no specific literary movement but operated within the broader Neoclassical tradition.

Personal life

Wheatley's personal life was defined by her enslaved status, though she experienced a degree of freedom and intellectual engagement within the Wheatley household. She formed a close bond with Susanna Wheatley. After gaining her freedom, she married John Peters, a free Black man. Her later life was marked by hardship, including financial struggles and the loss of her children. Her personal experiences of enslavement, the yearning for freedom, and her religious convictions profoundly shaped her poetry.

Recognition and reception

Wheatley received considerable recognition during her lifetime, both in America and Great Britain. Her trip to London was facilitated by the Wheatleys to promote her book. She received praise from prominent figures, including Benjamin Franklin and the Earl of Dartmouth. However, she also faced skepticism about her authorship, necessitating a document signed by prominent Bostonians attesting to her abilities. Her place in American literature is foundational as the first African American poet. Her reception has evolved from an anomaly to a celebrated literary figure.

Influences and legacy

Wheatley was influenced by classical poets like Homer and Virgil, as well as Enlightenment thinkers and the Bible. Her legacy is immense as a pioneering figure who broke racial barriers in American literature. She inspired subsequent generations of African American writers and poets, proving that Black individuals possessed intellectual and artistic capabilities. Her work continues to be studied for its literary merit and its historical significance.

Interpretation and critical analysis

Wheatley's poetry is often analyzed for its subtle critiques of slavery, its exploration of religious themes, and its engagement with the ideals of the American Revolution. Critical debates sometimes focus on the extent to which her work directly challenged the institution of slavery versus her more restrained expressions.

Curiosities and lesser-known aspects

A curious aspect of Wheatley's life is the extraordinary educational opportunities afforded to her while enslaved. Her journey to London to publish her book was a significant undertaking. Despite gaining freedom, her later years were marked by poverty, a stark contrast to the intellectual acclaim she had received earlier.

Death and memory

Phillis Wheatley died in poverty in Boston in 1784, shortly after giving birth to her third child, who also died. Her memory is honored through her enduring literary work, which has been revived and celebrated, ensuring her place as a crucial figure in American literary history.