The Poetry of Wheatley (Masterplots II: African American Literature Series)
At a glance:
- Author: Phillis Wheatley
- First Published: 1773
- Type of Work: Poetry
- Genres: Poetry
- Subjects: African Americans, Religion, God, Eighteenth century, Death or dying, Imagination, Bible, biblical imagery, or biblical symbolism, Widows or widowers, Clergy, Patriotism
When Phillis Wheatley wrote Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, the first book published by an African American, she began two traditions simultaneously: the African American literary tradition and the African American women’s literary tradition. This was a monumental accomplishment for a slave. Phillis belonged to the John Wheatley family in Boston. A letter from her owner to her publisher, also included in the book, provides the first account of her early years. It states that she was brought from Africa to America in 1761, being at that time seven or eight years...
[The entire page is 2697 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
Navigate
See Also
