On being Brought from Africa to America
The poem describes the transatlantic slave trade and its impact on enslaved Africans. It recounts the journey from Africa to America, highlighting the brutal conditions and suffering endured by those brought across the ocean. The speaker reflects on their own experiences, recalling the pain of separation from family and homeland. The poem also touches on themes of identity, culture, and resilience in the face of oppression.
By Phillis Wheatley · First published 1773 · Genre: Poetry, Slave Narrative, Religious Literature · 89 words
First lines
'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, Negroes, black as Cain, / May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train.
What this Textopian page supports
On being Brought from Africa to America is listed on Textopian as a poem by Phillis Wheatley, dated 1773 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Phillis Wheatley
- Date: 1773 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Slave Narrative, Religious Literature, Social Commentary, Autobiographical Literature
- Length: 89 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
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- Work identity for On being Brought from Africa to America by Phillis Wheatley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that employs structured verse and employs literary devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Slave Narrative — It reflects the experiences and perspectives of an enslaved individual, addressing themes of identity and redemption.
- Religious Literature — The poem discusses themes of faith, salvation, and the relationship with God.
- Social Commentary — It critiques societal views on race and challenges prejudices against Black individuals.
Tags
Poem · Slavery · African American Literature · 18th Century Poetry · Enslavement · Imperialism · Colonialism · Racism · Identity · Cultural Heritage · American History · Transatlantic Slave Trade
More by Phillis Wheatley
- To Maecenas (1733)
- On Virtue (1773)
- To the University of Cambridge, in New-England (1737)
- To the King's most Excellent Majesty. 1768 (1773)
- On the Death of the Rev. Dr. Sewell. 1769 (1773)
- On the Death of the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield. 1770 (1770)
- On the Death of a Young Lady of Five Years of Age (1773)
- On the Death of a Young Gentleman (1773)
- All works by Phillis Wheatley