Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784)Phillis Wheatley is still known for paving the way for American female writers. Phillis was brought from West Africa to Boston on a ship at the age of 7. She was purchased as a slave by the Wheatley family. Soon, the family took notice of her intelligence and taught her to read and write. Some of Phillis's biggest influences were John Milton, Homer, and of course the Bible and its teachings. At the age of 18, Phillis had composed 28 poems, but could not be published in America, because no one would accept the work of an African American woman. Luckily, she was able to have her work published in London. Sadly, after Mrs. Wheatley passed away, Phillis found herself very poor and struggling to live on her own. Although she became a free woman with the death of Mrs. Wheatley, free African Americans simply could not compete with white people for jobs at this time in history. Phillis died in 1784 at the age of 31. Much of her work has been lost and never recovered. (Phillis Wheatley-Poetry Foundation)
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Captivity of Phillis WheatleyIn terms of captivity, Phillis Wheatley is the character that is living out the most literal sense of the word. Although she does not seem to face harsh living conditions, or even have to do anything that would seem to be a "normal" task for a slave, Phillis is absolutely in captivity. The Wheatley family is harshly criticized for "showing off" Phillis as their brilliant slave, instead of just an intelligent person. Although Phillis seemed to enjoy writing, and longed to learn more about literature, she never had a choice but to write and perform her poetry for the Wheatley family. They always used Phillis as a way to gain attention and popularity for themselves, and therefore, Phillis could never break away at the time and just be recognized on her own for her gifts. As seen in the pictures, she cannot just be labeled as Phillis Wheatley. She is labeled as Phillis Wheatley, servant to the Wheatley family.
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