Interview with Phillis Wheatley Essay Example

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Phillis Wheatley: God occupies a significant place in my life.

Phillis Wheatley expresses in her Life and Works of Phillis Wheatley that she was formerly a sinner but now proudly stands as a saint before God. She confidently declares, "I firmly believe that the Lord God is my Savior and King" (49). Recognizing His immense and unfathomable nature, we humbly submit ourselves to His elevated throne, despite the mysterious qualities He possesses.

According to Wheatley's book "The Life and Works of Phillis Wheatley," she frequently includes mentions of God and her religion in her poems. Furthermore, she has composed numerous poems as a reaction to death and the sorrow of losing loved ones. When questioned on this matter, Wheatley clarifies that her intention is to provide comfort to troubled minds, soothe the turmoil caused by life's difficulties, and ease the suffering experienced by grieving parents. She firmly believes that divine relief for these hardships can be attained through celestial power.

The text discusses the life and works of Phillis Wheatley and her belief that when someone passes away, their loved ones should both mourn and find solace in the fact that they are entering their eternal lives with the Lord. She believes that departing from Earth allows individuals to leave behind the hardships they faced and enter heaven for eternity. In regards to her own recognition, she notes that her work started gaining recognition when she translated one of Ovid's Tales.

My friends urged for its publication due to praise for its quality, especially considering my age and status as an African American slave. It was eventually published a few

years later, and the news of an intelligent African American slave quickly circulated in Boston. As a result, my masters' acquaintances expressed their interest in meeting me, which led to further recognition. Now, I am renowned for co-founding African American Literature and being recognized as the inaugural African American Poet.

Phillis Wheatley expressed that she wrote all of her poems for her personal enjoyment, driven by curiosity and a strong desire to write. She was willing to invest whatever effort was necessary in order to learn. Writing, imagination, and the act of creation were all things she deeply cherished. As stated by Wheatley herself, "We on they pinions can surpass the wind, and leave the rolling universe behind." (Wheatley, 75)

The Life and Works of Phillis Wheatley. Interviewer (Question 7): Were you given any special privileges because of your intelligence?

Phillis Wheatley: Despite not being called "privileges," I did receive exemptions from certain tasks assigned to slaves due to my intelligence and poor health, as I suffered from severe asthma. My master treated me like a daughter, so while occasionally having to do minor chores like polishing tables or dusting, overall I was well cared for and my health and intellect were taken into consideration.

Interviewer: Thank you, Mrs. Wheatley, for taking the time to answer my questions.

Citation:

Wheatley, Phillis. The Life and Works of Phillis Wheatley. Washington, D.C.: Robert L.

Pendleton, 1969.