A Theme of Equality in Phillis Wheatley’s on Being Brought from Africa to America

Wheatley begins her eight-line block form poem with “‘Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land’”, meaning how much of a blessing it is for her to be brought from Africa through the Almighty God’s compassion. Her use of imagery relates directly to her experience as a slave where her skin was as “black as Cain”, representing how belittled this woman’s race is. The poem creates an imagery of light and dark, being thankful to be introduced to Christianity in the realization that everything works in her favor. The recognition is proven in line 2 mentioning her “benighted soul” is saved from sin and evil, signifying there is a God who watches over her struggles of darkness and ignorance, and his force is more powerful than humans. The darkness of not knowing God as a personal savior is not permanent; if all race is equal in Heaven then they should be equal on earth as well.

America, the land of the free, non-pagan, able to erase darkness, is being compared to Africa. Africa is Wheatley’s pagan land, where people are living in houses made of mud, hospitals are far away, and children must walk long distances to fetch water for their households. If needs are not met such as being a teacher or a farmer, food is expensive, making it hard to get by. HIV/AIDS occurs prominently because sex is used as an activity due to not having electricity or other forms of entertainment along with further ignorance filled in every direction. She speaks little of the journey from Africa, but it is not as important as she sees it as her gateway or beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Throughout Wheatley’s poem, “On Being Brought from Africa to America,” there are many representations of physical and spiritual darkness. When the speaker is in Africa, or pagan land as she refers, her soul is not cleansed. It appears as Wheatley grew older; she remains hidden from religion until the mercy comes on her to come to America.

With eagerness to be creative Wheatley learns how to read and write, breaking barriers as a female poet. Coming to America is like an “American Dream” so for Wheatley, writing stands as a form of fulfillment to feel free than an obligation as a slave. If bystanders witness this situation, they will note that though “. . . Negros, black as Cain” is mentioned, Cain is protected by God just as the darkness of the slavers who pretend not to know the Lord. They too are protected regardless of their wrong doings. Though it is, devastating slavery acts as a restoration to help her beliefs after being taken away from Africa on someone else’s will.

There was a reason the speaker never speaks ill of the slavery system. She understands that she is placed there for a reason at the right place and right time. Phillis Wheatley wishes for redemption throughout the poem where America is understood to be the place for deliverance but just like everything else in life, there are obstacles that happen to be as discrimination. Blacks portray behavior like Cain, the first murderer in Christian belief who slew his brother Abel and was “marked.” The Whites believe that African Americans are children of the curse Cain and not of God, which in turn offers the belief to treat them less than what they are. The message “. . . be refin’d, and join th’ angelic train” impacts our decision as Christians when Wheatley argues, black people can be refined just as much as any other race and join the angelic train with them. The angelic train is a metaphor for Heaven where believers will gather once everyone would treat each other as equal Christians. It’s like rooting for the best football team, wanting to see everyone prosper. Beyond asking for equality, the speaker’s message gets to readers that before God, everyone is welcome.

There is a lot of negativity present when “Some view our sable race with scornful eye,” indirectly calling slaves black or animals. The orientation of “‘Their color is a diabolic die’”, means covered with wickedness. This event brings along racism, human beings called a diabolic die or staying around for the benefit of the other race. It is anti-Christian to consider God’s creation of race evil. There are still other Christians who do not follow the principles of life of how to treat each other following God’s word but Phillis Wheatley is living proof of changes, where mercy and conversion can refine the souls of faithless people. Darkness is being insinuated without using the word dark specifically, portraying black as evil or without spiritual understanding.

Essential loyalty to Negroes and power is an address with subtle emphasis on religion, gratitude, and understanding. If the white man does not expect blacks to be, anti-white, then the oppression or degrading towards people black as Cain needs to end. The speaker is not resentful of her experiences though there is no mention of forgiveness. Society wants the black race to be non-existent, but as a reader reads through “On Being Brought from Africa to America,” it leaves them to understand or feel the emotions a slave knows directly, leaving everything behind and having to start a new life over.

Imagine being taken away from family and friends! Wheatley has been isolated for so long that she is numb to what is about to take place for her future, relieved by flowing praises and blessings. The most important thing is, while leaving Africa, though she does not know much about Christianity, Phillis Wheatley did not question the intentions of God. However, after developing a closer relationship with God, she realizes that God has been always by her side even when she did not see him, and her continual faith allows her to keep strong and adapt to new surroundings.

Most importantly, the color of someone’s skin should not be a factor to prevent them in fulfilling what life throws at them. As the known quote reveals, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” because someone is always in a position worse than expected. Even though Wheatley and other Africans who were brought as slaves, endures excessive labor and pain, she still believes that everyone can be assembled as one. Wheatley displays confidence and strength she has in herself, despite the treatment and struggle. Phillis Wheatley expects every person whatever their race, origin or religion, to be accepted and have a fair chance in the land of opportunities.

Works Cited

• Wheatley, Phillis. “On Being Brought from Africa to America.” The Norton Anthology of American Literature, edited by Robert S. Levine, shorter 9th ed., Vol.1, W. W Norton & Company, 2017, pp. 422.