Phillis Wheatley was the first African-American woman to publish a book of poetry in America, and she did so while enslaved by J
ohn and Susannah Wheatley. During her time of enslavement, Wheatley was converted to Christianity, and many of her poems deal with Christian themes. One such poem, "On Being Brought from Africa to America" discusses Wheatley's faith as well as her thoughts on slavery. Though the poem, at first glance, appears to show a sincere, even grateful Wheatley discussing her faith and the "mercy" that brought her from Africa to America, a closer look reveals a more rebellious tone beneath. Prompt:
After reading "On Being Brought from Africa to America," respond to the following question(s) with AT LEAST 150 words:
Through her poem, how does Wheatley rebel against the prevailing notion at the time that black, enslaved Americans were inferior to their white counterparts? In other words, how does she prove that this racist stereotype is false?
The poet shows that even after adopting Christianity, blacks are seen as unworthy.
<h3>How does this show that the racist stereotype is false?</h3>
This shows that black people will suffer racism even if they obey the wishes of white people.
This shows that religious difference is used as an excuse for racism.
The poet asserted that blacks suffered racism because they served a religion considered pagan by white Christians. However, even if blacks convert to Christianity, they are seen as unworthy, dirty, and devilish.
Sea lullaby elinor wylie the old moon is tarnished ... in the second stanza of the poem most likely refer? a) the man in the moon b) a ... from the title and what really is the poem which is part of the irony.
