Phillis Wheatley wrote “On Being Brought from Africa to America” in 1768, to express her gratitude for becoming a slave because it allowed her to become enlightened in the teachings of Christianity. However, in being a slave she felt that just as the African American race was not perfect, neither were the “Christian” white slave owners and that one day they would all end up in the same place, despite their sins. During this time period, the fact that Wheatley even knew how to read and write was a miracle on its own, but to actually write such a powerful poem about how she is grateful for being a slave while subtly rebuking the slave owners at the same time, is revolutionary for someone in her position.
Upon first glance of the title I thought
Upon first glance of the title I thought