Phillis Wheatley’s Fight against Slavery Essays - 1023 Words

Phillis Wheatley is a gem of her time; the first African-American woman to have her poetry published. Though purchased as a slave, her life was far from most African-Americans during the 17th century. She was educated and became deeply rooted in her faith: Christianity. From an outsider, her life may be viewed as an adopted child rather than a slave to the Wheatley family. However, she did not forget where she came from or those less fortunate than herself. Wheatley used the education she was afforded and her new-found spirituality to fight against slavery through the use of words (751). One of the greatest examples of this is her poem â€Å"To the University of Cambridge, in New England† addressed to perhaps the well-educated group of†¦show more content†¦This knowledge is that the Savior died for their sins and awaits their arrival in heaven to â€Å"share with Him in the sublimest skies† (19). She continues to warn the students of the repercussions of sin; à ¢â‚¬Å"transient sweetness turns to endless pain† (29). The phrase â€Å"transient sweetness† may refer to the short duration of wealth and prosperity on Earth in contrast to the â€Å"endless pain† one might experience in hell for their ill actions. She urges the students to shun â€Å"baneful evil to the soul† which she most-likely associates with slavery. Slavery is not only immoral behavior; it literally causes pain and destruction to individuals. She uses the phrase â€Å"human race divine† as well as the words pupil and privileged to describe the students’ superiority in society (27). This is important, why does she choose to enlighten the most intelligent group of individuals, many of whom may practice slavery? Perhaps, she chose this particular audience to convey her message because they would have the greatest ability; intelligence, to see the error of slavery and have the status to put an end to it. Throughout the poem the tone is ea rnest. Wheatley expresses intense seriousness when she begins to discuss religion and the temptation of sin. For example, she uses phrases such as â€Å"suppress the deadly serpent in its egg† andShow MoreRelatedVoices Of Freedom : Slavery s Impact On African American Literature1204 Words   |  5 Pagescentury, America found itself divided over the issue of slavery. The culture, traditions, and economy of southern states depended heavily on slave labor, while the northern states opposed the institution of slavery. Even though the slave trade was declared illegal in the early nineteenth century, slavery itself was not illegalized until more than a half century later. Abolitionists used powerful anti-slavery writings as a way to fight against slavery. 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