phillis wheatley response

Briana Weems
Phillis Weatley Response
6th-7th Period
Phillis Weatley was a black slave, who was born in Africa and brought to Boston in 1761. Her owner Susannah Weatley was sympathetic towards her and taught her how to read and write, which at this time even many white women weren’t getting this privilege. After learning how to read, she began reading Latin writers and the bible. Her poems began getting published when she was nineteen or twenty years old in London. Among the citizens that testified she was, “qualified enough to write” was her own master John Weatley. Her reasons for moving to England were to publish her book and her health. Weatley had 3 children, one which died and was buried with her. Her poems were very detailed and proper for a women back in this time to be writing.
Her first poem was called, “On Being Brought From Africa to America.” She talks about how at first when she was taken at first she was really upset and her soul was dark. She didn’t the idea of someone ripping her from her home and everything she has ever known. But as she is on her journey to America she realizes the bigger picture, which is God has a plan for everything. And the fact that this has happened to her means that she feels like she has a greater purpose. And she also says that even though they were taken, they should still act like citizens. Meaning that you should show them that you are better than them.
Her next poem was called, “To His Excellency General Washington.” This poem was addressed directly to President George Washington. She expressed exactly how she felt about the things he was doing and how she thought it affected the overall country. She started her poem off by saying, “Celestial choir! Enthroned in realms of light,” meaning that people were happy and singing. She continues by saying that she doesn’t know it’s going to feel to be free but she can’t wait to see its going to be for her. She also talks about how the country was surprised about some of the things that have happened. And that while some people may regret electing him into office, the person that matters, which is God, is proud of him and the choices that he has made so far while in office.
She also talks about a goddess. And when she talks about this goddess her word choice is words that are dainty, pretty, and girlie. She uses words like, “divinely, golden, charms, and grace.” All these words help you picture this beautiful woman. She then goes on to talk about, “a night of storms.” She is referring to the way people were behaving and the things that they were doing at this time in history. The way they were reacting to his decisions and the way they were treating one another. The disrespect and ignorance shown to each other throughout this time disgusted her. And she says, “such, and so many, moves the warrior’s train.” Meaning that there are some things that make you stronger. Towards the end though she does kind of threaten him in a way. “Whoever dares disgrace the land of freedom’s heaven defended race.” But at the end of the poem she does wish him good luck.
Throughout this poem Phillis Wheatley is strong and doesn’t have a problem getting her point across. She also isn’t afraid to let him know how she feels and isn’t afraid to hide the real truth and meaning behind her writing. Phillis Wheatley opened a lot a lot of doors for many women all over the country. She also crossed a lot of milestones that affects things are right now, today in America.