Results: Phillis Wheatley: African American Poet
Published on 01/15/2017
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Phillis Wheatley, also spelled Phyllis and Wheatly (c. 1753 – December 5, 1784) was the first published African-American female poet.[1][2] Born in West Africa, she was sold into slavery at the age of seven or eight and transported to North America. She was purchased by the Wheatley family of Boston, who taught her to read and write and encouraged her poetry when they saw her talent. Have you heard of Ms. Wheatley?
![Phillis Wheatley, also spelled Phyllis and Wheatly (c. 1753 – December 5, 1784) was the first published African-American female poet.[1][2] Born in West Africa, she was sold into slavery at the age of seven or eight and transported to North America. She was purchased by the Wheatley family of Boston, who taught her to read and write and encouraged her poetry when they saw her talent. Have you heard of Ms. Wheatley?](https://www.tellwut.com/uploads/media/image/thumb/4025e1484341251o9976.jpg)
Yes
14%
284 votes
No
86%
1695 votes
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Have you read any of her poetry?
Yes
9%
173 votes
No
81%
1594 votes
Undecided
11%
212 votes
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Here are a few quotes from Ms. Wheatley, which ones do you like?
In every human Beast, God has implanted a Principle, which we call Love of Freedom; it is impatient of Oppression, and pants for Deliverance.
16%
315 votes
The world is a severe schoolmaster, for its frowns are less dangerous than its smiles and flatteries, and it is a difficult task to keep in the path of wisdom.
16%
316 votes
Through thickest gloom look back, immortal shade, On that confusion which thy death has made.
8%
166 votes
Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain, /May be refin'd and join th' angelic train.
9%
178 votes
Since my return to America my Master, has at the desire of my friends in England given me my freedom.
10%
197 votes
Thou didst, in strains of eloquence refin'd, Inflame the soul, and captivate the mind.
9%
175 votes
Aurora hail, and all the thousand dies, Which deck thy progress through the vaulted skies: The morn awakes, and wide extends her rays, On ev'ry leaf the gentle zephyr plays; Harmonious lays the feather'd race resume, Dart the bright eye, and shake the painted plume.
6%
128 votes
Proceed, great chief, with virtue on thy sideThy every action let the goddess guide.
9%
180 votes
N/A
62%
1225 votes
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You might not be aware of some fascinating facts regarding Ms. Wheatley. Check off the ones that you did NOT know:
Phillis Wheatley was not only the first published African American woman but also one of the first published female poets of the United States.
32%
625 votes
She was named after the boat that brought her to America
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624 votes
She started writing poetry at age 13
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598 votes
So many folks didn't believe that an African American was capable of poetry, so she had to defend her authorship in front of a judge
31%
609 votes
The US would not publish her poetry so she had to travel to England, where black authors were welcomed for publishing
30%
598 votes
She rarely wrote about herself and slavery
30%
585 votes
She as a statue in Boston on Commonwealth ave
29%
576 votes
N/A
56%
1106 votes
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Lastly, if you were not aware of Ms. Wheatley, are you now interested in seeking out some of her poetry?
Yes
20%
396 votes
No
34%
677 votes
Undecided
19%
371 votes
Not Applicable
27%
535 votes
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