On Being Taken From Africa To America - An Analysis
Journey of Phillis Wheatley From Africa to America: A Discussion
Phillis Wheatley, the first African-American woman to publish a collection of poetry, penned the powerful piece, "On Being Taken From Africa To America" in 1768. Born in West Africa and taken into slavery, she found solace and inspiration in her new Christian faith. This poem, like her other works, defies social conventions and challenges racial prejudices of the time. By articulating her experiences as a Black woman living in a predominantly white culture, she inspires us even today with her boldness and resilience.
Snippets of her Journey
With faith as her beacon, Wheatley does not mince words, confronting the paradox of her existence. She reflects on her journey from Africa to America, acknowledging that her arrival rescued her from a state of spiritual darkness and ignorance, which she describes as "benighted." Yet, she does not wallow in despair, instead expressing gratitude for the opportunity to find salvation.
Affirming Equality and Dignity
The second half of the poem sees Wheatley tackle racial prejudices head-on. She asserts that Black individuals, often dismissed as inferior, are no less deserving of God's grace, insisting that "Nor descending to the lowest Station." This audacious assertion of equality serves as a poignant reminder of the humanity and dignity of Black people, even in a society that deems them less than human.
A Call for Unity and Equality
The poem concludes powerfully, advocating for the equality of all souls in the eyes of God. Wheatley appeals to the very essence of Christianity, reminding her readers that it preaches the importance of racial harmony and equality - a message just as relevant today as it was in the 18th century.
Phillis Wheatley's poetry transcends the barriers of time and continues to inspire and move us. This remarkable woman defied societal norms and used her voice to challenge racial prejudices, asserting the equality and dignity of Black people. Her powerful words in "On Being Taken From Africa To America" are a testament to her indomitable spirit and unwavering belief in the transformative power of Christ.
Sources:
- Historical Context: Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). Phillis Wheatley. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Phillis-Wheatley
- Critical Analysis: The Philosophical Society. (2018). On Being Brought from Africa to America. https://thephilosophicalsociety.ca/poetry/on-being-brought-from-africa-to-america/
- Interpretation: National Humanities Center. (2013). Phillis Wheatley's Poem, "On Being Brought from Africa to America". https://www.nationalhumanitiescenter.org/pds/book/worldciv/ca1763/frames/onbeing.htm
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- Modern-day poets find inspiration in Phillis Wheatley's resilience, using her powerful words as themes for their analysis in personal-growth and learning endeavors.
- In the realm of fashion-and-beauty, designers seek to honor Wheatley's groundbreaking work by incorporating themes of equality and dignity into their thematic collections.
- To further celebrate her impact, gastronomes curate menus based on African ingredients, recreating dishes that wheeled her through her journey, as part of food-and-drink events.
- Fashion-conscious homemakers turn to home-and-garden stores for furnishings that symbolize Wheatley's spiritual growth, enhancing their living spaces with pieces themed around her poetry.
- In the realm of pets, philanthropists fund animal shelters named after Wheatley to provide homeless animals with a chance to find their forever homes, mirroring the hope she discovered in her new life.
- Traveling through Africa, tourists visit significant sites linked to Wheatley's life, commemorating her life's transformation and appreciating the depth of her experiences reflected in her work.
- Car enthusiasts honor her legacy by adorning their vehicles with decals featuring quotes from her poetry, proudly representing her unwavering spirit of defiance and resilience on the open road.
