On Being Brought from Africa to America

Definition

On Being Brought from Africa to America is a poem by Phillis Wheatley that explores her personal journey from Africa to America and reflects on the themes of identity, slavery, and the possibility of redemption through Christianity. The poem serves as a powerful statement about the experiences of African Americans and challenges prevailing notions of racial inferiority while emphasizing the importance of faith and enlightenment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The poem is structured as a brief yet impactful piece that illustrates Wheatley's own transition from a state of bondage to one of spiritual awakening.
2. Wheatley emphasizes the idea that Christianity can bring enlightenment and salvation, challenging the perception that Africans were inferior or incapable of moral or intellectual development.
3. The poem highlights Wheatley's dual identity as both an African and an American, revealing the complexities of her experiences as an enslaved individual in colonial America.
4. Wheatley’s work gained recognition in both England and America, making her one of the first African American authors to publish a book of poetry.
5. On Being Brought from Africa to America not only serves as a reflection on personal experience but also addresses broader social issues related to race and religion during her time.

Review Questions

• How does Phillis Wheatley use her personal experiences in 'On Being Brought from Africa to America' to address broader themes related to race and identity?
  • In 'On Being Brought from Africa to America,' Wheatley uses her journey as a metaphor for the broader struggles faced by African Americans. By sharing her own transformation through faith, she challenges stereotypes of African inferiority and asserts her identity as both an African and an American. This duality reflects the complexities of race during her time, suggesting that enlightenment and spiritual growth are achievable regardless of one's background.
• Analyze how Wheatley's poetry reflects the influence of Enlightenment ideals on her views about faith and reason.
  • Wheatley's poetry embodies Enlightenment ideals by emphasizing reason, individual worth, and the pursuit of knowledge through faith. In 'On Being Brought from Africa to America,' she portrays Christianity as a pathway to understanding and moral awakening. This perspective not only showcases her belief in the power of reason and spirituality but also underscores her challenge to societal norms regarding race, suggesting that all individuals possess inherent dignity deserving recognition.
• Evaluate the impact of 'On Being Brought from Africa to America' on early African American protest literature and its significance in challenging societal views on slavery.
  • Wheatley's 'On Being Brought from Africa to America' significantly contributed to early African American protest literature by asserting the value of Black voices in literary spaces traditionally dominated by white perspectives. The poem challenges societal views on slavery by highlighting themes of redemption and intellectual capability among enslaved Africans. Its publication paved the way for future generations of writers and activists who would continue to fight against racism and advocate for equality, making it a cornerstone work in the fight for justice.

Related terms

Phillis Wheatley: An African American poet born in West Africa, who was enslaved and brought to America, known for her poignant poetry that addressed themes of race, identity, and religion.

Enlightenment: An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and the pursuit of knowledge, influencing many writers, including Wheatley.

Abolitionism: The movement to end slavery and promote equal rights for African Americans, gaining momentum in the 19th century and drawing inspiration from works like Wheatley's poetry.