ESSAY CEMETERY

Walker describes Jean Toomer's exploration of the Reconstruction South. Toomer found women sexually abused and lost, but who he saw to hold power, spirituality and beauty of which they were not aware. They were waiting for these unknowns to be made known. In the meantime they did not appreciate any aspects of life. These black women were artists whose creative forces were abandoned to the hardships of life. Black women who were able to create such as Phillis Wheatley and Zora Hurston had divided loyalties, between black and white cultures. They were raised in both and their art is not genuinely hers but confused due to this. Many have criticized Wheatley's poetry for glorifying white people but Walker understands that art for Phyllis was a soulful practice and it sustained her. This is not the end of the story, for the next generation of black women has survived. There is now the quest for black female identity. Society is not understanding of this strife. The quest

Summary I recently came to America with the help of God. He addresses the students as scholars of astronomy, which brings them closer to heaven. Jesus approves of them. He celebrates Jesus as he who died for all humanity's sins. He encourages them to avoid sin, for the momentary pleasure of sin results in eternal suffering. Themes and Devices ·        Self-reflexiveness “WHILE an intrinsic ardor prompts to write, The muses promise to assist my pen;” ·        Coming from Africa “ 'Twas not long since I left my native shore The land of errors, and Egyptain gloom:” ·        Thanking god “Father of mercy, 'twas thy gracious hand Brought me in safety from those dark abodes.” ·        Celebrating students as scholars of astronomy ·        Praising Jesus as redeemer of mankind ·        Cautioning against sin Portrait of Phillis Wheatley

Summary She is grateful that she was brought from Pagan Africa to Christian America. Even though blacks may be sinful, according to Christianity they can be redeemed. Themes ·        Rejecting paganism and embracing Christianity "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:” ·        Black as sinful Some view our sable race with scornful eye,  "Their colour is a diabolic die."  Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain,  May be refin'd and join th'angelic train.” Portrait of Phillis Wheatley