The colonists of America were treated very poorly by the King up until the American Revolution. Phillis Wheatley and Philip Freneau wrote opinionated poems on slavery, as well as oppression, during this time period. The poems had many similarities, but also had differences from past experiences and political views. Both shared a common opinion on being treated unfairly by a ruler. However, because they both have a diverse background, the poets did not have beliefs for the same reasons.
Philip Freneau was an educated man who had a strong hatred for slavery. Studying at Princeton, Freneau began to write a variety of poetry. After graduating, Philip wrote his own newspapers along with many poems. Freneau wrote about freedom in the poem, On the Emigration to America and Peopling the Western Country. It’s quite obvious that Philip promotes freedom for the slaves and colonist when talking in his poem: “There heaven-born freedom shall …show more content…
Being a slave, Wheatley had a strong hatred for slavery. However, Phillis was treated well by her owners: The Wheatleys. Phillis Wheatley was enslaved in 1761 and taken from West Africa to be sold in Boston. John Wheatley bought Phillis as a young girl to give to his wife, Susannah. Growing up Phillis was an extremely fast learner when it came to education. She grew up to be the first African American to publish a book of poetry. Wheatley wrote a poem that talked about gaining freedom entitled: To the Right Honourable William, Earl of Dartmouth. Phillis makes a personal appeal to the earl of Dartmouth hoping he will agree with the abrogation of slavery. Showing that she thinks America should be free, Phillis says “No more, America, in mournful strain” (Wheatley 152). Readers can comprehend Phillis dislikes slavery. Being a slave definitely shaped Wheatley’s political opinions on
Philip Freneau was an educated man who had a strong hatred for slavery. Studying at Princeton, Freneau began to write a variety of poetry. After graduating, Philip wrote his own newspapers along with many poems. Freneau wrote about freedom in the poem, On the Emigration to America and Peopling the Western Country. It’s quite obvious that Philip promotes freedom for the slaves and colonist when talking in his poem: “There heaven-born freedom shall …show more content…
Being a slave, Wheatley had a strong hatred for slavery. However, Phillis was treated well by her owners: The Wheatleys. Phillis Wheatley was enslaved in 1761 and taken from West Africa to be sold in Boston. John Wheatley bought Phillis as a young girl to give to his wife, Susannah. Growing up Phillis was an extremely fast learner when it came to education. She grew up to be the first African American to publish a book of poetry. Wheatley wrote a poem that talked about gaining freedom entitled: To the Right Honourable William, Earl of Dartmouth. Phillis makes a personal appeal to the earl of Dartmouth hoping he will agree with the abrogation of slavery. Showing that she thinks America should be free, Phillis says “No more, America, in mournful strain” (Wheatley 152). Readers can comprehend Phillis dislikes slavery. Being a slave definitely shaped Wheatley’s political opinions on