On Being Brought From Africa To America - Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley was the first African American published writer and poet during her time. She was determined to establish the genre of African American Literature and was successful. It was very rare for Wheatley to speak of her own experiences but through this poem "On Being Brought from Africa to America" we see her talk about her life, which I thought was very interesting.

'Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land"

She starts her poem with this quote. She wants to thank the Americans that brought her from Africa to America. During this time, white people believed that they were doing the African Americans a favor by bringing them into captivity.

"Taught my benighted soul to understand that there's a God, that there's a Saviour too: Once I redemption neither sought nor knew."

She goes on to explain how she was able to form a relationship with God by coming to America. Coming to America not only helped open her writing abilities, but also her connection and learning of God.

"Some view our sable race with scornful eye, 'Their colour is a diabolic die.'"

Wheatley goes on to explain the bias that people have against her and all African Americans. Her use of the term "diabolic die" is interesting to me. Diabolic means evil or belonging to the devil. Then together, "diabolic die" implies that their skin color leads to evil death.

I found this short poem to be very intriguing. She discusses her side of the story of coming from Africa and changing to the culture/beliefs of American's.