Phillis Wheatley: Trailblazing African-American Poet

In the poem “On Being Brought From Africa to America”, the author, Phillis Wheatley, states, “‘Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,” (Phillis Wheatley). This statement goes to show the point of view that she had on most of her life. Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784) was closely associated to the Colonialism movement which ranged from 1600-1800. During this time was where anyone could pursue individual happiness, and, politically and socially, the concepts of the medieval world were abandoned. Wheatley’s build up from certain events and specific circumstances she has been in, have helped inspired her to become one of the first and greatest African American poets in the world. Phillis Wheatley’s background was not always the most conventional. She was an enslaved African American whose first language was not English, but despite that she still became a poet at an early age. Although, Wheatley did not have the best education she still became a famous role model and poet. In her early 20’s, she did have some positive experiences by meeting Benjamin Franklin and two European aristocrats who soon became her role models in life. These role models helped

Johnson states that Wheatley always portrayed her experience of becoming a slave as a positive experience. One aspect that Wheatley claims to help her have a positive outlook on life, is her faith in her religion. She is a faithful christian woman, and makes that well-known in her poems and writings. Another way she shows her gratitude is by expressing how wonderful her education is becoming. The reason Johnson writes this is that slaves rarely ever have an education because their circumstances simply do not allow it to happen. This is why it is special for her to express her gratitude for the education she has and how quickly she is flourishing in