I propose to further study Phillis Wheatley for the final research project. Phillis Wheatley holds a compelling story of a young slave girl who was kidnapped from Africa, and brought to America. Her extraordinary story speaks volumes to African Americans today. Having been enslaved, Phillis Wheatley became the first African American, and one of the first women, to publish a book of poetry during colonial America. During her period as a writer, Wheatley received a number of support from renowned figures and prestigious individuals, which in turn influenced her as a poet. In the midst of the support, she also received harsh criticism for being a negro slave with nothing to offer. However, Phillis Wheatley overcame the boundaries placed in front
…show more content…
Her exposure to these authors, as well as her developed taste in Greek mythology, had an enormous influence on her. Wheatley’s collection of writing greatly imitated other authors of the Neoclassical movement. In Wheatley’s poem “On imagination”, she describes imagination by referring to various seasons and gods throughout Greek mythology. Another work that exemplifies Wheatley’s neoclassical style of writing is her poem, “To Maecenas”. In this poem she mentions Homer, as well as other significant figures of neoclassical literature, and writes on her aspirations of writing as exceptional as those figures. Other works that greatly convey Wheatley’s style of writing are “On recollection”, and “An hymn to humanity.” In the final research paper, I would use these poems as an illustration of how the neoclassical style of writing greatly influenced her poetry. Also, I hope to further address how the Neoclassical movement, followed by the enlightenment era, influenced Phillis Wheatley’s identity. Furthermore, I would like to address how her experiences and encounters with prominent figures of these eras, such as the founding fathers, impacted
Her exposure to these authors, as well as her developed taste in Greek mythology, had an enormous influence on her. Wheatley’s collection of writing greatly imitated other authors of the Neoclassical movement. In Wheatley’s poem “On imagination”, she describes imagination by referring to various seasons and gods throughout Greek mythology. Another work that exemplifies Wheatley’s neoclassical style of writing is her poem, “To Maecenas”. In this poem she mentions Homer, as well as other significant figures of neoclassical literature, and writes on her aspirations of writing as exceptional as those figures. Other works that greatly convey Wheatley’s style of writing are “On recollection”, and “An hymn to humanity.” In the final research paper, I would use these poems as an illustration of how the neoclassical style of writing greatly influenced her poetry. Also, I hope to further address how the Neoclassical movement, followed by the enlightenment era, influenced Phillis Wheatley’s identity. Furthermore, I would like to address how her experiences and encounters with prominent figures of these eras, such as the founding fathers, impacted