Phillis Wheatly
Phillis Wheatly was the first poet to be published after the colonies declared freedom. She also has an audience that may overlap with Equiano and Hammon. Her poetry addresses religion, politics, and race.
1.) Many critics in Wheatly’s time criticize her work for contributing to negative prevailing notions of Africans, namely in “On Being Brought from Africa to America.” Given her audience, what does Wheatly hope to achieve by describing Africa and African traditions the way she does? What is her strategy?
2.) With the idea of inter-textuality in mind, how does Phillis Wheatly use her poetry to elevate her voice and join the national conversation of politics, race, slavery or literary tradition?
Assignment Directives:
Select one weekly reading
Write a one-page essay (MS Word) that demonstrates your ability in analyzing the author’s purpose given their social, historical, or political context. You should introduce one specific instance in the text in your explanation. You should also cite one brief piece of direct textual evidence that exemplifies your point. No paraphrasing allowed. Follow MLA guidelines. This assignment should not exhibit any sources other than the selected story.
Upload your WA before Friday of the current week before midnight. No late work accepted.
Any work lacking grammatically or mechanically may recieve a failing grade.
Work plagiarized to any extent will receive a zero.
Work will be graded based on completion and accuracy of directives.
