"On Being Brought from Africa to America"

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"'Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,
Taught my benighted soul to understand
That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too:
Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.
Some view our sable race with scornful eye,
"Their colour is a diabolic die."
Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain,
May be refined, and join the angelic train.

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Introduction

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Phillis Wheatley was an African American poet, born in West Africa in 1753. She was kidnapped and brought to Boston on a slave ship at 8-years-old, and bought by John Wheatley. Wheatley's experience as a slave was vastly different from most experiences history recollects, and many scholars believe her experience as a slave had a large influence on her poetry. Unlike most slaves, Wheatley was educated by her masters. She learned Latin, Greek, and how to write poetry that was far beyond the expectation of African Americans during the time. Most of her poetry was written to and for white people, and rarely for an African American audience. Scholars argue that because of Wheatley's surroundings, her poetry reflects the interests, ideologies, and beliefs of the white men and women who surrounded her. In "On Being Brought from Africa to America" Wheatley explores ideas of the Christian faith, and racism.
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