On Being Brought from Africa to America by Phillis Wheatley - Summary and Analysis

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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

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