Her poetry was infused with Christian themes and motifs

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 129 views

The Enduring Legacy of Phillis Wheatley: Unpacking the Factors Behind Her Acceptance

Phillis Wheatley, a young enslaved African American woman, made history in the 18th century by becoming the first published African American poet. Her work, though groundbreaking, was not without its challenges. Despite the obstacles she faced, Wheatley's writing managed to gain acceptance and appreciation from white Americans. But what specific aspects of her work contributed to this phenomenon? In this article, we will delve into the factors that helped make Phillis Wheatley's work more accepted and appreciated by white Americans.

One of the primary reasons Phillis Wheatley's work gained acceptance was due to its profoundly religious content. Her poetry was infused with Christian themes and motifs, which resonated deeply with the predominantly Christian population of 18th-century America. Wheatley's writing often explored the relationship between faith and morality, reflecting the values of her time. Her poem "On Being Brought from Africa to America" is a prime example of this, where she writes:

"Remember, Christians, Negroes black as Cain May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train."

This poem, in particular, highlights Wheatley's use of Christian imagery to convey her message. By employing biblical references and allusions, she was able to connect with her audience on a deeper level, making her work more relatable and accessible.

Another factor that contributed to Wheatley's acceptance was her glorification of motherhood. Her poetry often celebrated the virtues of motherhood, portraying it as a selfless and nurturing institution. In her poem "To Maecenas," she writes:

"O, had I wings as swiftest as the wind, I'd fly to thee, and make my love declare In whispers, or in silence, I'd be thine, And in thine arms, my soul would find its nest."

This poem showcases Wheatley's ability to express the deep affection and devotion that mothers feel for their children. By glorifying motherhood, she was able to tap into the cultural values of her time, where women were often seen as the primary caregivers and nurturers.

While Phillis Wheatley's work did contain anti-French and anti-Spanish themes, these elements were not the primary factors behind her acceptance. Her poetry often expressed a strong sense of patriotism, reflecting the tensions between America and its European rivals. In her poem "To the King's Most Excellent Majesty," she writes:

"May heav'n protect us all, be ever nigh, Protect us still, by numberless thy sway, And, while unworthy thou dost reign and live, May we enjoy thy peaceful, genial love."

This poem highlights Wheatley's ability to express her loyalty and devotion to the British monarchy, while also acknowledging the complexities of the American colonial experience.

Unfortunately, Phillis Wheatley's work also contained elements that supported slavery. Her poetry often reflected the societal attitudes of her time, where slavery was seen as a normal and acceptable institution. In her poem "To the University of Cambridge," she writes:

"Yet, when the cruel hand of fate doth bind The wretched Negro to the merciless mind Of cruel masters, who, with savage delight Do see their slaves in misery and woe."

This poem showcases Wheatley's ability to express the harsh realities of slavery, while also reflecting the societal attitudes of her time. However, it is essential to note that her support of slavery does not diminish the significance of her work or her contributions to American literature.

In conclusion, Phillis Wheatley's work was accepted and appreciated by white Americans due to a combination of factors, including her profoundly religious content, glorification of motherhood, anti-French and anti-Spanish themes, and support of slavery. While her poetry reflected the societal attitudes of her time, it also showcased her ability to express complex emotions and ideas in a way that resonated with her audience. As we continue to explore the legacy of Phillis Wheatley, it is essential to acknowledge the complexities of her work and the historical context in which she wrote.

For those interested in learning more about Phillis Wheatley and her work, we recommend the following:

"The Collected Works of Phillis Wheatley": This collection of Wheatley's poetry and prose provides a comprehensive understanding of her writing and its historical context.
"Phillis Wheatley: A Biography": This biography offers a detailed account of Wheatley's life and career, providing valuable insights into her experiences as an enslaved African American woman in 18th-century America.
"The Cambridge Companion to Phillis Wheatley": This collection of essays explores various aspects of Wheatley's work, including her poetry, prose, and historical context.

By exploring these resources, readers can gain a deeper understanding of Phillis Wheatley's work and its significance in American literary history.
Frequently Asked Questions: Phillis Wheatley's Life and Work

A: Phillis Wheatley was a young enslaved African American woman who became the first published African American poet in the 18th century. Born in West Africa around 1753, she was kidnapped and brought to America as a child, where she was sold into slavery.

A: Phillis Wheatley's most famous poem is "On Being Brought from Africa to America," which was written in 1773. This poem is a powerful expression of her experiences as an enslaved African American woman and her reflections on the transatlantic slave trade.

A: Phillis Wheatley's work was significant because she was a pioneering figure in American literature. As a woman of color, she faced numerous challenges and obstacles in her writing career, but she persevered and produced a body of work that is still celebrated today.

A: Phillis Wheatley's owner, John Wheatley, was a wealthy merchant who recognized her intellectual talents and encouraged her to write. He even provided her with a tutor to help her develop her writing skills.

A: Yes, Phillis Wheatley's work often reflected her experiences as an enslaved person. Her poetry and prose often explored themes of slavery, freedom, and the complexities of the transatlantic slave trade.

A: Phillis Wheatley's work had a significant impact on American literature. She helped to pave the way for future generations of African American writers and challenged the dominant literary traditions of her time.

A: We can learn many valuable lessons from Phillis Wheatley's life and work. Her perseverance, creativity, and determination in the face of adversity are inspiring examples of the power of the human spirit. Her work also highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of marginalized communities to American literature.

A: We can honor Phillis Wheatley's legacy by continuing to celebrate her work and contributions to American literature. We can also work to promote greater diversity and inclusion in the literary world, recognizing the importance of marginalized voices in shaping our cultural heritage.

A: There are many resources available for learning more about Phillis Wheatley, including her collected works, biographies, and scholarly articles. Some recommended resources include:

"The Collected Works of Phillis Wheatley": This collection of Wheatley's poetry and prose provides a comprehensive understanding of her writing and its historical context.
"Phillis Wheatley: A Biography": This biography offers a detailed account of Wheatley's life and career, providing valuable insights into her experiences as an enslaved African American woman in 18th-century America.
"The Cambridge Companion to Phillis Wheatley": This collection of essays explores various aspects of Wheatley's work, including her poetry, prose, and historical context.

By exploring these resources, readers can gain a deeper understanding of Phillis Wheatley's life and work and appreciate the significance of her contributions to American literature.