A small poem “On Being Brought from Africa to America,” written by Phillis Wheatley, is a vivid reflection of not only the idea of religion but also a freedom (Wheatley). As it is known, Wheatley became the first African American woman to print her book in the US (On Being Brought from Africa to America 1). Perhaps, this fact allowed the author to get enough popularity so that her works could be studied with great interest. This poem tells the story of the equality of all races and the higher power, about her closeness to God. Wheatley thanks him for being able to show her the light and taking her away from pagan ideas in which she lived before. Perhaps, she chose this title because, in her opinion, it was the more civilized American way of life that enabled her to learn about God, which she could not have done in Africa, on the land of her ancestors. The line “Once I redemption neither finding nor knew” reflects the title best (Wheatley). The whole work is written in the spirit of gratitude and call to join the idea of equality and unity.
There are a few words in the poem that in many ways emphasize the mood of the author and convey her desire to reflect her idea to readers. One of such words is “mercy,” which appears in the first line (Wheatley). Probably, the central idea, which the poet wanted to show by her work, was encrypted in this line. Her attempt to demonstrate readers her awareness of something high is expressed precisely by this word. Calling for help Christianity as one of the ideas of the struggle for equality, the author seeks to destroy stereotypes and unite people (On Being Brought from Africa to America 8). Therefore, her poem has such inner strength and light.
Works Cited
“On Being Brought from Africa to America.” Shmoop, Web.
Wheatley, Phillis. “On Being Brought from Africa to America.” Poetry Foundation, Web.