Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley (c. 1753-1784) was the first published African American female poet and one of the most prominent literary figures of the American colonial period. Kidnapped from West Africa at age seven and sold into slavery, she was purchased by the Wheatley family of Boston who taught her to read and write, recognizing her remarkable intellectual abilities. Her groundbreaking collection, "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral" (1773), was published in London after she obtained attestation from prominent Boston citizens verifying her authorship, as many doubted a slave could write poetry. The volume includes poems addressing religious and classical themes, along with elegies to prominent figures and works exploring the tension between her African heritage and Christian faith. Wheatley gained international recognition for her poetry and received praise from notable figures including George Washington, with whom she corresponded. Her accomplishments challenged prevailing racist notions about the intellectual capabilities of enslaved people, though she wrote within the established poetic conventions of her time, employing neoclassical forms and biblical references. Despite achieving fame and eventually obtaining her freedom, Wheatley died in poverty at age 31 while working as a domestic servant. Her literary legacy influenced generations of African American writers and established an important precedent for black literary achievement in America.

Modern readers appreciate Wheatley's technical mastery of 18th-century poetic forms while acknowledging the complex historical context. On Goodreads, readers consistently note her skillful use of classical allusions and religious imagery. Readers value: - Her achievement in overcoming extreme circumstances - The subtle ways she addressed slavery and race through classical references - Her sophisticated vocabulary and command of meter - Historical significance as first published African-American female poet Common criticisms: - Poetry can feel formal and distant to modern readers - Limited thematic range due to period constraints - Some find religious themes repetitive - Difficulty connecting emotionally with the work From Goodreads (3.9/5 stars across 2,000+ ratings): "Her mastery of form is undeniable, even if the content feels restricted by her era" - Student reviewer "Important historical voice but challenging for casual reading" - Literature professor Amazon reviews (4.2/5 stars): Readers frequently mention the value of reading her work in historical context, though some find the language archaic and hard to access without scholarly notes.

Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral (1773) A collection of 39 poems covering religious themes, classical mythology, and elegies to prominent figures, written in neoclassical style and marking the first published work by an African American woman.

An Elegiac Poem, on the Death of George Whitefield (1770) A funeral tribute poem honoring the prominent evangelical preacher George Whitefield, demonstrating Wheatley's engagement with contemporary religious figures.

To His Excellency General Washington (1775) A patriotic poem addressed to George Washington, celebrating his leadership of the Continental Army during the American Revolution.

On Being Brought from Africa to America (1773) A complex meditation on Christian salvation and racial identity, reflecting on the poet's journey from Africa to America.

To the University of Cambridge, in New England (1767) An address to Harvard students that explores themes of spiritual and intellectual enlightenment while subtly critiquing racial prejudice.

On Virtue (1773) A philosophical exploration of moral excellence and divine grace, written in heroic couplets following classical poetic traditions.

Jupiter Hammon He was an early African American poet who, like Wheatley, wrote religious-themed poetry while enslaved in the 18th century. His work "An Evening Thought" shares similar Christian themes and formal structure with Wheatley's poetry.

Anne Bradstreet As the first published poet in Colonial America, she paved the way for writers like Wheatley with her religious and personal poetry. Her work "The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America" deals with similar themes of faith and mortality.

Lucy Terry Prince She was the author of the earliest known work of literature by an African American, composing "Bars Fight" in 1746. Her experience as an enslaved poet who gained freedom parallels Wheatley's life path.

George Moses Horton He was the first African American to publish poetry in the South while still enslaved. His collection "The Hope of Liberty" explores themes of freedom and Christianity that echo Wheatley's concerns.

Edward Taylor He wrote religious poetry in Colonial America using similar metaphysical style and Christian imagery as Wheatley. His "Preparatory Meditations" contains comparable explorations of faith and devotion.