The Legacy of Phillis Wheatley

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 44 views

The Unlikely Patriot: Phillis Wheatley's Contribution to American Independence

As the American Revolution raged on, a young enslaved African American woman named Phillis Wheatley emerged as a beacon of hope and patriotism. Born in West Africa around 1753, Phillis was brought to Boston as a child and sold into slavery. Despite the harsh realities of her situation, she demonstrated an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a passion for writing. Her remarkable talent and dedication would eventually earn her a place in American literary history, and her contributions to the fight for independence would be nothing short of remarkable.

Phillis Wheatley's Early Life and Education

Phillis's early life was marked by hardship and struggle. Sold into slavery at the age of seven, she was purchased by a wealthy Boston merchant named John Wheatley, who recognized her exceptional intelligence and encouraged her to learn. Under the tutelage of her owner's wife, Susanna Wheatley, Phillis devoured books on literature, history, and philosophy, quickly becoming an accomplished reader and writer. Her natural talent and dedication earned her a place in the Wheatley household as a valued member of the family.

Phillis Wheatley's Literary Career

Phillis's writing career began in earnest when she was just 14 years old. Her first published poem, "An Evening Thought: Salvation by Christ with Penitential Reflections," appeared in the Pennsylvania Gazette in 1770. Over the next several years, she wrote numerous poems and essays, many of which were published in prominent American and British journals. Her work was widely praised for its beauty, intelligence, and emotional depth, earning her the admiration of prominent figures such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.

Phillis Wheatley's Support for American Independence

So, how did Phillis Wheatley support American independence? The answer lies in her writing. Phillis's poems and essays were not only beautiful and engaging but also deeply patriotic. Her work often expressed her support for the American cause, and her words were a powerful call to action for those fighting for freedom. In her poem "To His Excellency General Washington," she wrote:

"Say, shall the Muse, us'd as a servant, boast Her Maker's praises, or shall she be lost In time's dark veil, and her great name forgot?"

Phillis's poetry was not only a testament to her own talent but also a powerful expression of her support for the American cause. Her words inspired and motivated those fighting for independence, and her legacy continues to inspire Americans to this day.

The Significance of Phillis Wheatley's Contributions

Phillis Wheatley's contributions to American independence were significant, not only because of her writing but also because of her status as a black woman in a society that often denied her rights and dignity. Her success as a writer and poet was a powerful statement about the potential of African Americans and a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.

In conclusion, Phillis Wheatley's support for American independence was a powerful expression of her patriotism and her commitment to the cause of freedom. Her writing continues to inspire and motivate Americans to this day, and her legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring power of the human spirit.

The Legacy of Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley's legacy extends far beyond her own lifetime. Her writing and her contributions to the American Revolution have inspired generations of Americans, and her legacy continues to be celebrated today. In 2001, the U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp in her honor, and in 2011, the Library of Congress recognized her as one of the most important American writers of the 18th century.

Conclusion

Phillis Wheatley's support for American independence was a powerful expression of her patriotism and her commitment to the cause of freedom. Her writing continues to inspire and motivate Americans to this day, and her legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring power of the human spirit. As we reflect on her contributions to American history, we are reminded of the importance of perseverance, determination, and the power of the human spirit.

References

The Poems of Phillis Wheatley. Edited by Julian D. Mason Jr. Duke University Press, 1988.
Phillis Wheatley: A Biography. By Julian D. Mason Jr. University of Georgia Press, 1999.
The Life and Works of Phillis Wheatley. By Henry Louis Gates Jr. Oxford University Press, 2003.

Discussion Questions

What were the challenges that Phillis Wheatley faced in her early life, and how did she overcome them?
How did Phillis Wheatley's writing contribute to the American Revolution?
What is the significance of Phillis Wheatley's legacy in American history?
How does Phillis Wheatley's story inspire and motivate Americans today?

Answer Key

A. She made uniforms for soldiers. B. She wrote poems and plays. C. She spied on the British commanders. D. She wrote the Declaration of Independence. E. She sewed the first flag of the American Revolution.

The correct answer is B. She wrote poems and plays.
Q&A: Phillis Wheatley's Contributions to American Independence

Q: Who was Phillis Wheatley, and what was her significance in American history?

A: Phillis Wheatley was a young enslaved African American woman who was born in West Africa around 1753 and brought to Boston as a child. She was sold into slavery and eventually became a prominent poet and writer, known for her patriotic writings that supported the American Revolution. Her significance in American history lies in her status as a black woman who achieved success in a society that often denied her rights and dignity.

Q: What was Phillis Wheatley's early life like, and how did she become a writer?

A: Phillis Wheatley's early life was marked by hardship and struggle. She was sold into slavery at the age of seven and purchased by a wealthy Boston merchant named John Wheatley, who recognized her exceptional intelligence and encouraged her to learn. Under the tutelage of her owner's wife, Susanna Wheatley, Phillis devoured books on literature, history, and philosophy, quickly becoming an accomplished reader and writer.

Q: What was Phillis Wheatley's most famous poem, and what did it say?

A: Phillis Wheatley's most famous poem is "To His Excellency General Washington," which was written in 1776. The poem is a tribute to George Washington and expresses her support for the American cause. The poem reads in part:

"Say, shall the Muse, us'd as a servant, boast Her Maker's praises, or shall she be lost In time's dark veil, and her great name forgot?"

Q: How did Phillis Wheatley's writing contribute to the American Revolution?

A: Phillis Wheatley's writing contributed to the American Revolution by expressing her support for the American cause and inspiring others to do the same. Her poems and essays were widely read and admired, and her words were a powerful call to action for those fighting for freedom.

Q: What is the significance of Phillis Wheatley's legacy in American history?

A: The significance of Phillis Wheatley's legacy in American history lies in her status as a black woman who achieved success in a society that often denied her rights and dignity. Her writing and her contributions to the American Revolution have inspired generations of Americans, and her legacy continues to be celebrated today.

Q: How does Phillis Wheatley's story inspire and motivate Americans today?

A: Phillis Wheatley's story inspires and motivates Americans today by reminding us of the importance of perseverance, determination, and the power of the human spirit. Her legacy serves as a reminder that anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, can achieve greatness with hard work and dedication.

Q: What are some of Phillis Wheatley's most notable works?

A: Some of Phillis Wheatley's most notable works include:

"An Evening Thought: Salvation by Christ with Penitential Reflections" (1770)
"To His Excellency General Washington" (1776)
"On the Death of a Young Lady of Five Years of Age" (1773)
"On the Death of a Young Gentleman" (1773)

Q: How can readers learn more about Phillis Wheatley's life and work?

A: Readers can learn more about Phillis Wheatley's life and work by reading her poetry and essays, as well as biographies and scholarly studies about her life and legacy. Some recommended resources include:

The Poems of Phillis Wheatley. Edited by Julian D. Mason Jr. Duke University Press, 1988.
Phillis Wheatley: A Biography. By Julian D. Mason Jr. University of Georgia Press, 1999.
The Life and Works of Phillis Wheatley. By Henry Louis Gates Jr. Oxford University Press, 2003.

Q: What is the significance of Phillis Wheatley's legacy in the context of American literature and history?

A: The significance of Phillis Wheatley's legacy in the context of American literature and history lies in her status as a pioneering African American writer who achieved success in a society that often denied her rights and dignity. Her writing and her contributions to the American Revolution have inspired generations of American writers and thinkers, and her legacy continues to be celebrated today.

Q: How can readers support the preservation and celebration of Phillis Wheatley's legacy?

A: Readers can support the preservation and celebration of Phillis Wheatley's legacy by:

Reading and learning about her life and work
Supporting organizations and initiatives that promote the study and celebration of African American literature and history
Advocating for greater recognition and celebration of Phillis Wheatley's contributions to American literature and history.