'One Being Brought From Africa To America' by Phillis Wheatly


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'TWAS mercy brought me from my Pagan land,
Taught my benighted soul to understand
That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too:
Once I redemption neither fought now knew,
Some view our sable race with scornful eye,
"Their colour is a diabolic die."
Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain,
May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train.


Editor 1 Interpretation

Introduction

Phillis Wheatley's poem "One Being Brought from Africa to America" is a remarkable piece of literature that tells the story of an African brought to America as a slave. The poem is an expression of the poet's own experience as a slave, and it gives a poignant account of the painful journey that slaves had to go through. The poem is also an illustration of the poet's mastery of the English language, as she writes in a style that is both simple and eloquent. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will examine the themes and literary devices used in the poem, and provide an analysis of the poetic techniques employed by the poet.

Themes

The poem "One Being Brought from Africa to America" explores several themes, including slavery, freedom, and identity. The main theme of the poem is slavery, and the poet uses vivid imagery to describe the experience of being taken from one's homeland and transported to a foreign land. The theme of slavery is evident throughout the poem, as the poet describes the horrors of the slave trade and the brutal treatment that slaves received at the hands of their masters.

Another theme that is explored in the poem is freedom. The poet expresses the desire to be free from the bonds of slavery and to return to the land of her ancestors. The theme of freedom is also evident in the poet's use of Christian imagery, as she compares her own experience to that of the Israelites in bondage in Egypt. The poem is an expression of the poet's longing for freedom, and her hope that one day she will be able to escape from the chains of slavery and return to her homeland.

The theme of identity is also explored in the poem, as the poet struggles to reconcile her African heritage with her life as a slave in America. The poem is an expression of the poet's own identity crisis, as she tries to find a place for herself in a world that has rejected her. The poet's use of imagery and symbolism is an attempt to reclaim her African cultural heritage and to assert her identity as a human being.

Literary devices

The poem "One Being Brought from Africa to America" makes use of several literary devices, including imagery, symbolism, and allusion. The poet uses vivid imagery to describe the experience of being transported from Africa to America, and the horrors of the slave trade. The use of imagery helps to create a powerful emotional response in the reader, and makes the poem more memorable.

The poet also employs symbolism in the poem, using Christian imagery to express her desire for freedom. The use of Christian imagery is an attempt to connect with her audience, as Christianity was a central part of American culture at the time. The poet's use of Christian imagery also adds a deeper meaning to the poem, as it suggests that the struggle for freedom is a universal human experience.

The poem also contains several allusions, including a reference to the story of the Israelites in bondage in Egypt. The allusion to the Israelites is an attempt to connect with the reader on a deeper level, and to suggest that the struggle for freedom is an ancient and ongoing one. The use of allusion adds depth and complexity to the poem, and helps to make it more resonant with the reader.

Poetic techniques

The poet employs several poetic techniques in "One Being Brought from Africa to America", including rhyme, meter, and repetition. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which is a common meter used in English poetry. The use of meter helps to create a sense of rhythm in the poem, and makes it more musical.

The poet also uses repetition in the poem, repeating certain phrases and words for emphasis. The repetition of the phrase "remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain, / May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train" is an example of this technique. The repetition of this phrase helps to reinforce the poet's message of hope, and suggests that even those who are enslaved can find redemption.

The use of rhyme in the poem also helps to create a sense of musicality. The poem is written in a rhyming couplet form, which means that each two lines rhyme with each other. The use of rhyme helps to make the poem more memorable, and adds to its emotional impact.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "One Being Brought from Africa to America" is a powerful and moving poem that explores themes of slavery, freedom, and identity. The poem is an expression of the poet's own experience as a slave, and it gives a poignant account of the painful journey that slaves had to go through. The use of vivid imagery, symbolism, and allusion, as well as the employment of various poetic techniques, adds to the emotional impact of the poem, and makes it a masterpiece of English literature. Phillis Wheatley's "One Being Brought from Africa to America" is a testament to the enduring power of poetry, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for redemption.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry One Being Brought From Africa To America: An Analysis

Phillis Wheatley, a former slave, was the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry in the United States. Her work, "Poetry One Being Brought From Africa To America," is a powerful and moving piece that speaks to the experiences of African slaves who were forcibly brought to America. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this poem to gain a deeper understanding of its significance.

Themes

The central theme of "Poetry One Being Brought From Africa To America" is the experience of slavery and the loss of identity that comes with it. Wheatley speaks to the pain and suffering of being taken from one's homeland and forced to live in a foreign land. She writes, "Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land, / Taught my benighted soul to understand / That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too." Here, Wheatley acknowledges that her enslavement was a result of the mercy of God, but also recognizes the loss of her cultural identity and the struggle to find a new sense of self in America.

Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of redemption and salvation. Wheatley writes, "Some view our sable race with scornful eye, / 'Their colour is a diabolic die.' / Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain, / May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train." Here, Wheatley challenges the notion that black people are inherently evil or inferior and argues that they too can be saved and redeemed through Christianity.

Structure

"Poetry One Being Brought From Africa To America" is written in rhyming couplets, with each line consisting of ten syllables. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with eight lines. The first stanza sets the scene and establishes the speaker's identity and background. The second stanza focuses on the experience of slavery and the loss of identity that comes with it. The final stanza offers a message of hope and redemption.

Language

Wheatley's use of language in "Poetry One Being Brought From Africa To America" is both powerful and poignant. She uses vivid imagery to convey the pain and suffering of slavery, writing, "Torn from my native shore, / I left behind sorrow, grief, and more; / In foreign climes and regions far remote, / Supported by the hand of heavenly hope." Here, Wheatley describes the physical and emotional pain of being taken from her homeland and forced to live in a foreign land.

Wheatley also uses language to challenge the notion of black inferiority and to assert the humanity of enslaved Africans. She writes, "Some view our sable race with scornful eye, / 'Their colour is a diabolic die.' / Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain, / May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train." Here, Wheatley argues that black people are not inherently evil or inferior and that they too can be saved and redeemed through Christianity.

Conclusion

"Poetry One Being Brought From Africa To America" is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the experiences of African slaves who were forcibly brought to America. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Wheatley conveys the pain and suffering of slavery, the loss of identity that comes with it, and the hope of redemption and salvation. This poem is a testament to the resilience and strength of enslaved Africans and a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and confronting the legacy of slavery in America.

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