Some of the darkest chapters in human history contain the most inspiring accounts of the strength and determination of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. One such story is that of Phillis Wheatley, a young enslaved woman who beat all obstacles to become America’s first black poet. Her path is a monument to the power of words and the indomitable spirit that can emerge from the darkest situations.
Furthermore, she was an inspiration to many and an example of the intellectual prowess of Black people. Despite numerous challenges, Wheatley used her talent to shed light on historical injustices, receiving recognition from influential personalities and making substantial contributions to the literary world.
Phillis Wheatley’s Early Life
It is thought that Phillis Wheatley was born in West Africa, most likely in Gambia or Senegal, sometime in 1753. At the tender age of seven, she was abducted and thrust into the brutal world of slavery. She arrived in Boston, Massachusetts, aboard a slave ship named “The Phillis,” from which she derived her first name.
Imagine a young girl, torn from her homeland, facing a sea of uncertainty. Little did she know that her destiny would soon entwine with the very fabric of American literary history. The Wheatleys, a famous Bostonian family, bought her when she arrived. The wealthy tailor John Wheatley’s wife, Susanna, bought Wheatley as her housekeeper. But the Wheatleys quickly learned that Phillis Wheatley was no ordinary child. While serving the Wheatley family, she showed signs of exceptional intelligence.
The Wheatleys’ daughter, Mary, began tutoring her, and Phillis quickly mastered English. She also learned Latin and Greek, displaying a remarkable aptitude for languages and literature. The Wheatleys granted the young girl access to their vast library, and she gorged herself on the writings of famous authors like Alexander Pope and John Milton. Astronomy, geography, and history were among her other areas of study. This broad education was highly unusual for an enslaved person and even more so for a woman of her time.
A Blossoming Poetic Talent
Phillis Wheatley’s thirst for knowledge was insatiable. She consumed literature with an eagerness that belied her age. Poetry, in particular, captured her imagination. Wheatley began writing poetry in her early teens, and her first poem was published when she was just 14 years old.
Her art distinguished itself by the incorporation of classical ideas and techniques, elegiac forms, and profound religious symbolism. Her writing style was highly affected by the literature she studied, but she also added her distinct personality and cultural aspects from her African heritage.
The publication of her poem “An Elegiac Poem, on the Death of that Celebrated Divine, and Eminent Servant of Jesus Christ, the Reverend and Learned George Whitefield” in 1770 brought her widespread recognition. The elegy was published in Boston, Newport, and Philadelphia and went across the Atlantic to London, earning her international acclaim.
Phillis Wheatley’s Debut: Triumph Over Prejudice
In 1773, Wheatley embarked on a trip to London, accompanied by Nathaniel Wheatley, the son of her owners. The purpose was to secure publication for her book of poems. The collection, titled “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral,” was published in London, making Phillis the first African-American woman to have a book of poetry published.
Wheatley’s collection was a stunning display of her mastery of the English language. Her verses touched on themes of faith, morality, and the human condition, showcasing a depth of thought that transcended societal expectations. In one of her most famous poems, she pays homage to George Washington, illustrating her admiration for the revolutionary ideals beginning to shape the nation.
The book was well-received in England and the colonies, with notable figures like George Washington praising her work. However, despite her success, Phillis continued to face the harsh realities of her enslaved status.
The Intersection of Race and Art
Phillis Wheatley’s success was both a beacon of hope and a challenge to the status quo. As the first black poet in America, she faced skepticism and disbelief. Some doubted the authenticity of her work, unable to reconcile the idea that an enslaved person could produce such refined and eloquent poetry.
Yet, Wheatley’s talent spoke louder than the prejudices of her time. Her work showcased her brilliance and challenged the prevailing narratives about race and intellect. In her poetry, she carved out a space for herself and, by extension, for future generations of black writers.
The Bittersweet Taste of Freedom
While Phillis Wheatley’s literary accomplishments garnered admiration, her personal life remained marked by the shackles of slavery. Despite her success, she faced continued hardships. Shortly after the publication of her book, the Wheatley family granted Phillis her freedom. She married John Peters, a free black man.
However, they struggled with poverty and the deaths of their three children. Phillis continued to write and sought to publish a second collection of poems, but her efforts were unsuccessful. Sadly, she fell ill and passed away on December 5, 1784, leaving a powerful legacy that inspires generations of writers.
Phillis Wheatley’s Lasting Legacy
American literature will never be the same because of Phillis Wheatley. As a Black woman, she used her voice to question established standards and push for social change in an era of pervasive racism and sexism. She is still one of the most revered people in African-American history, and her life is an inspiring example of the strength and intelligence displayed by Black women.
Her legacy lives on in the numerous institutions named in her honor, such as the Phillis Wheatley YWCA in Washington, D.C., and the Phillis Wheatley High School in Houston, Texas. Ultimately, Phillis Wheatley’s life and work serve as a shining light, illuminating the truth that talent and intellect know no color or status.
