What was Wheatley’s attitude toward slavery?

What was Wheatley’s Attitude toward Slavery?

Phillis Wheatley, an African-born slave, became the first Black woman to publish a book of poetry in the United States. Her experiences and writings reflect her complex attitude toward slavery, which was shaped by her faith, education, and observations of the contradictions in the system. This article will delve into Wheatley’s perspective on slavery, exploring the nuances of her views and the impact they had on her poetry and life.

Initial Observations and Faith

When Wheatley arrived in Boston as a young slave, she was exposed to Christianity and quickly adopted it as her own. Her faith played a significant role in shaping her attitudes toward slavery. In her early poems, she addressed God, expressing gratitude for her new life in America and asking for forgiveness for her enslaved status. Wheatley believed that slavery was a divine punishment, meant to prepare her for a higher calling. This conviction allowed her to accept her circumstances and find solace in her faith.

Education and Empathy

Wheatley’s education and cultural exposure also influenced her attitude toward slavery. She learned to read and write in English, and her love for literature helped her understand the perspectives of her oppressors. Wheatley began to see the contradictions between the ideals of Christianity and the brutal treatment of enslaved people. Her education enabled her to empathize with her fellow slaves, acknowledging the injustice of their situation and the cruel treatment they faced.

Poetry as a means of expression

Wheatley’s poetry became her primary means of expressing her thoughts and feelings about slavery. In her most famous poem, "On Being Brought from Africa to America," she wrote about the complexities of her experience:

Table 1: Key lines from "On Being Brought from Africa to America"

Disillusionment and Critique

As Wheatley matured, her perspective on slavery shifted. She became increasingly critical of the system, using her poetry to expose the hypocrisy and brutality of slavery. In her poem "On Liberty and Necessity, Pleasing Nature," she wrote:

Table 2: Key lines from "On Liberty and Necessity, Pleasing Nature"

Conclusion

Wheatley’s attitude toward slavery was complex and multifaceted. Her early acceptance of her enslavement was shaped by her faith and education, while her later critiques were driven by her observations of the brutal treatment of enslaved people. Through her poetry, Wheatley expressed her deep empathy for her fellow slaves and exposed the hypocrisy of the system. Her writings offer a unique perspective on the experiences of enslaved people in America and continue to resonate with audiences today.

Key Points:

• Wheatley’s faith and education played a significant role in shaping her attitude toward slavery.
• Her poetry became a means of expressing her thoughts and feelings about slavery, revealing a complex and multifaceted perspective.
• Wheatley’s early poems expressed gratitude and acceptance, while her later works criticized the system and exposed its brutal treatment of enslaved people.
• Through her poetry, Wheatley expressed deep empathy for her fellow slaves and challenged the hypocrisy of the system.
• Wheatley’s writings continue to offer a powerful perspective on the experiences of enslaved people in America and continue to resonate with audiences today.