Upon Being Brought From Africa To America Analysis

Phyllis Wheatley was born in 1753 in West Africa. Wheatley was brought from Africa to Boston by a ship called Phillis. She was then sold to Wheatley family. Hence, the name Phyllis Wheatley. The Wheatley family was supportive of Phyllis education, their daughter and son helped educate her. Her first poem was published in the newpaper in 1767. Pyllis traveled to london, in hopes of meeting the Countess. The countess was unable to meet with Phyllis, but helped her published her volume of poems. When, Pyllis returned home, she was given her freedom. Phyllis was the first published African American woman and poet.
In the poem, Upon Being Brought from Africa to America, Phyllis Wheatley expresses her gratitude for being uprooted from native land Africa to America. The poem suggestes that America, introduced Phyllis to God and helped her develop a belief system to get through troubled times. Phyllis goes on to explain that some people view the african race as inferior or with a hateful and devilish perception. However, what must be noted, especially of those who follow the christian race, is that blacks
can be redefined. This poem was written in 1767. My understanding may vary from those individuals who lived in that time period. Some one living in 1767, could have read this poem as rebellious. For , in that time, slavery was very much present and the black race was infrerior to the white anglo-saxon. However, today, the distinction between the two races is only revealed through the color of their skin. Today's generation is more open-minded and accepting of different people. Therefore, the meaning of the poem would be different for today's generation.
The last two lines are meaningful to me.
I beleive that as people who beleive in faiths that teaches compassion and forgiveness, we lack those skills. We fear anything or anyone, who is different from what we consider to be normal. So, we shun and humilated these individuals for their differences. Sometimes, taking it as far as denying them of their human rights. When Phyllis, states, "Remember, Christians, Negros as black as Cain, May be refin'd, and join th'angelic train", really resonated with me. In addressing the Christian religion, she refrences the Christian figure Cain. Cain was the first muderer of the world. Cain murdered his brother because he was jealous. And to curse him, God made his skin black. Therefore, Phyllis is using his dark skin and bad behavior, to state that blacks can be educated and redefined. So, do not pre-pass judgment, but accept all
people.