“On Being Brought from Africa to America” is a poem by Phyllis Wheatley, an enslaved African woman who became one of the first published African American poets. The poem reflects her complex feelings about her experience of being brought from Africa to America, and it addresses themes of religion, identity, and the paradox of enslavement.
In the poem, Wheatley expresses a sense of gratitude for her Christian faith, which she believes was a gift that came to her through her enslavement. She acknowledges the harsh reality of her transition from Africa, a place she describes as a land of “pagan” beliefs, to America, where she was introduced to Christianity. Despite the painful circumstances of her captivity, she highlights how her faith has provided her with hope and purpose.
The poem also touches on the broader themes of racial identity and the dehumanization faced by enslaved people. Wheatley challenges the prevailing notions of racial inferiority by asserting her intellect and eloquence through her poetry. She uses her own journey as a lens to explore the complexities of being an African in America, navigating between the trauma of her past and the new identity she is forming in a foreign land.
Overall, Wheatley’s poem is a nuanced reflection on her personal experience and serves as a commentary on the broader issues of race, faith, and the struggle for dignity and recognition in a society built on oppression. It invites readers to consider the dualities of suffering and salvation, loss and gain, and the transformative power of faith amidst adversity.