How did Wheatley gain her freedom?

How Did Wheatley Gain Her Freedom?

Phillis Wheatley, a renowned African American poet, gained her freedom through a combination of her writing talent, her connections with influential people, and her ability to negotiate with her owners. In this article, we will explore the ways in which Wheatley gained her freedom and the significance of her achievement.

Early Life and Slavery

Phillis Wheatley was born in West Africa around 1753. She was captured and sold into slavery in Boston in 1761. At the age of seven, she was purchased by the Wheatley family, who owned a successful mercantile business. Despite being a slave, Wheatley was given the opportunity to learn to read and write, which would later become a crucial factor in her gaining freedom.

Wheatley’s Writing Talent

Wheatley’s writing talent was evident from an early age. She began writing poetry and was soon recognized as a gifted poet. Her poetry was published in various newspapers and magazines, and she became a celebrated figure in Boston’s literary circles. Her writing talent not only brought her recognition but also helped her to gain freedom.

Connections with Influential People

Wheatley’s connections with influential people played a significant role in her gaining freedom. She was befriended by the Wheatley family, who were influential members of Boston’s society. Her friendship with the Wheatleys allowed her to gain access to influential people, including Governor Thomas Hutchinson and other prominent figures. These connections helped her to gain freedom by providing her with opportunities to negotiate with her owners.

Negotiation for Freedom

In 1776, Wheatley published a collection of poems called "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral." The book was a huge success, and it brought her international recognition. Her poetry was praised by prominent figures, including the British poet and critic, Samuel Johnson. The success of her book and her connections with influential people enabled her to negotiate with her owners for her freedom.

Freedom and Legacy

In 1776, Wheatley was granted her freedom by the Wheatley family. She was given a small sum of money and a letter of recommendation, which allowed her to pursue a career as a poet and writer. Wheatley’s freedom was a significant achievement, not only for her but also for the African American community. She was the first African American woman to gain freedom through her writing talent and connections with influential people.

Significance of Wheatley’s Freedom

Wheatley’s freedom was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated that it was possible for an African American woman to gain freedom through her writing talent and connections with influential people. Secondly, it showed that the Wheatley family, who were influential members of Boston’s society, were willing to grant freedom to an African American woman. Finally, it highlighted the importance of education and writing as a means of gaining freedom and achieving success.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Phillis Wheatley gained her freedom through a combination of her writing talent, her connections with influential people, and her ability to negotiate with her owners. Her freedom was a significant achievement, not only for her but also for the African American community. Wheatley’s legacy continues to inspire and empower African American women to pursue their dreams and achieve success.

Additional Information

• Phillis Wheatley’s Poems: Wheatley’s poems were published in various newspapers and magazines during her lifetime. Her most famous poem is "On Being Brought from Africa to America," which is a powerful critique of slavery.
• Wheatley’s Correspondence: Wheatley’s correspondence with influential people, including Governor Thomas Hutchinson and Samuel Johnson, provides valuable insights into her life and her writing career.
• Wheatley’s Legacy: Wheatley’s legacy continues to inspire and empower African American women to pursue their dreams and achieve success. She is remembered as a pioneering figure in African American literature and a symbol of the power of education and writing.

Table: Wheatley’s Life and Achievements

Bullets List: Wheatley’s Writing Style

• Simple and direct language: Wheatley’s writing style was characterized by simple and direct language, which made her poetry accessible to a wide audience.
• Use of metaphor and imagery: Wheatley’s poetry was known for its use of metaphor and imagery, which added depth and complexity to her writing.
• Exploration of themes: Wheatley’s poetry explored themes such as slavery, freedom, and identity, which were relevant to her own experiences and the experiences of other African Americans.

References

• Wheatley, P. (1773). Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral. Boston: Selling by Messrs. Mills and Hicks.
• Hutchinson, T. (1776). Letter to Phillis Wheatley. Boston: Massachusetts Historical Society.
• Johnson, S. (1776). Review of "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral." The Gentleman’s Magazine, 46, 537-538.