On Being Brought from Africa to America
by Phillis Wheatley
‘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:
Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.
Some view our sable race with a scornful eye,
“Their colour is a diabolic die.”
Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain,
May be refined, and join the angelic train.
Summary of On Being Brought from Africa to America
“On Being Brought from Africa to America” is a powerful poem by Phillis Wheatley, published in 1773. It is one of the first works by an African‑American poet and explores the experience of forced removal and the introduction of Christianity. The poem does more than lament slavery; it acknowledges a newfound religious awakening and subtly challenges prevailing racist beliefs. Wheatley frames her enslavement as a paradoxical act of mercy, arguing that through suffering she has been brought to the knowledge of God. The poem also offers a poignant critique of racial prejudice, reminding readers that people of African descent, despite unfair judgment, are capable of refinement and spiritual ascension. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a call for recognition of shared humanity.
Analysis of On Being Brought from Africa to America
The Paradox of Mercy
The opening line, “‘Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,” establishes a central paradox. Mercy and enslavement appear contradictory, yet Wheatley uses the tension to highlight the complex and often hypocritical nature of the Christian faith within the context of slavery. By reclaiming the term Pagan, she suggests that her pre‑conversion state was not inherently lacking in value but simply different. This line is a carefully constructed argument that even through forced displacement, spiritual enlightenment is possible.
Exploring Spiritual Awakening
The second line, “Taught my benighted soul to understand,” builds on this idea. “Benighted” implies darkness and ignorance, but that darkness is dispelled by the light of Christian faith. Wheatley presents her conversion as a moment of intellectual and spiritual awakening. The declaration that there is a God and a Saviour carries immense weight in the context of the poem, suggesting that the hardship of slavery served as a necessary precursor to her spiritual enlightenment. She frames it as a direct intervention from a higher power, turning suffering into an opportunity for grace.
Challenging Racial Prejudice
The poem shifts focus in the latter half to address racial prejudice. “Some view our sable race with a scornful eye” condemns the racist attitudes of her time. The metaphor of “Their colour is a diabolic die” reveals the dehumanizing logic used to justify slavery. Wheatley turns this argument on its head by suggesting that those deemed diabolic are capable of redemption and spiritual growth.
The Call for Refinement and Ascension
The concluding lines, “Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain, may be refined, and join the angelic train,” are a plea for acceptance and equality. By juxtaposing “Christians” and “Negros,” Wheatley emphasizes shared humanity. The allusion to Cain counters negative stereotypes associated with African people. She argues that even those who have been marginalized and oppressed are capable of moral and spiritual improvement and ultimately achieving salvation. The image of joining the angelic train suggests that African people are not inherently inferior but have the potential to ascend to the highest realms of spiritual existence.
Literary and Poetic Devices
Enjambment
Wheatley skillfully employs enjambment throughout the poem, creating a natural and flowing rhythm. For example, the lines “Taught my benighted soul to understand / That there’s a God, that there’s a Saviour too” show how the thought continues seamlessly from one line to the next, mimicking the unfolding of spiritual revelation.
Assonance and Consonance
The poem uses assonance and consonance to create a musical quality. The short ‘a’ sound in “sable race” and the ‘t’ sound in “Taught my benighted soul to understand” provide subtle repetitions that emphasize certain words and ideas.
Allusion
Wheatley strategically employs biblical allusions, most notably the reference to Cain, to add depth and complexity to her argument. By drawing on familiar religious imagery, she challenges her audience to reconsider preconceived notions about race and redemption.
Heroic Couplet and Iambic Pentameter
The poem is structured in heroic couplets, pairs of rhyming lines, and written in iambic pentameter—a rhythmic pattern of five stressed syllables per line. The regular rhythm and rhyme scheme give the poem a sense of order and control, contrasting with the chaotic and suffering subject matter.
Imagery and Symbolism
Wheatley uses imagery effectively to convey her ideas. “Sable race” evokes the skin color of African people and symbolizes perceived otherness. The image of an “angelic train” represents the ultimate goal of spiritual ascension and offers a vision of hope and equality.
Quotes for Reflection
The following lines offer a powerful message about faith, resilience, and the potential for transformation. They are suitable for speeches or discussions on social justice and spirituality:
‘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.