Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral · Character

Phillis Wheatley

Brought from Africa at seven, she learned English in sixteen months and wrote herself into the republic of letters as its astonished prodigy.

major

Also known as Phillis

First appearance: Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral

As a major figure in Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, Phillis Wheatley is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The author and dedicating servant, inscribing her poems to the Countess of Huntingdon.

In the storyDedicationOpen this moment free

Wheatley is the enslaved Boston poet whose master's letter testifies that she read the most difficult parts of Scripture within sixteen months of arrival and taught herself to write. She inscribes her book to a countess, addresses Maecenas, and asks the Muses why partial grace gave fame to one alone of Afric's sable race. Her double position — humble servant and audacious claimant of the laurel — is the engine of the whole volume.

See Phillis Wheatley in Dedication Book page

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This poem serves as the narrative climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak where the sp…

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In the story

Phillis Wheatley appears across 22 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Dedication
The author and dedicating servant, inscribing her poems to the Countess of Huntingdon.
Letter to the Publisher
The subject of the letter; described as having learned English and Latin rapidly and written to Reverend Occum.
Letter to the Publisher
The author of the letter and Phillis's master, who attests to her abilities.
Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral
The author and central figure of the poems, reflecting on her own spiritual and intellectual journey.
To Maecenas
Implied as the poet behind the speaker, referencing her own African heritage and the legacy of Terence.
To the University of Cambridge, in New-England
The speaker who recounts her journey from Africa and addresses the students.
To the King’s Most Excellent Majesty. 1768
Author of the poem, though not directly named in the text.
On Being Brought from Africa to America
The speaker and author, reflecting on her own experience of being brought from Africa to America and her Christian conversion.
On the Death of the Rev. Dr. Sewell. 1769
The poet, who speaks in first person and composes the epitaph.
On the Death of the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield. 1770
The poet, speaking as 'we' and 'Americans' to mourn Whitefield's death and honor his legacy.
On Recollection
The poet who calls upon Mneme and reflects on her own past follies and the passage of eighteen years.
To the Right Honourable William, Earl of Dartmouth, His Majesty’s Principal Secretary of State for North-America, etc.
The poet who speaks of her own enslavement and love of freedom.
To a Lady on Her Remarkable Preservation in an Hurricane in North-Carolina
The poet who composed this work.
On the Death of Dr. Samuel Marshall. 1771
The poet, expressing personal and communal grief.
To a Gentleman on His Voyage to Great-Britain for the Recovery of His Health
Author of the poem, writing in the voice of the narrator.
An Hymn to Humanity
The poet who receives inspiration and strings her lyre, identified as 'Afric's muse'.
IV
Addressed as 'G——y!' likely referring to Phillis Wheatley's heart perceiving the rushing God.
To S. M. A Young African Painter, on Seeing His Works
The speaker who praises the young painter and reflects on the power of art and the promise of heavenly reward.
To His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, on the Death of His Lady. March 24, 1773
Implied as the 'Afric muse' who delivers the poem.
A Farewel to America. To Mrs. S. W.
The speaker who bids farewell to New England and embarks for Britannia.
V
The speaker who addresses Susanna, asking her not to mourn.
An Answer to the Rebus, by the Author of These Poems
The poet who cannot refuse to answer the rebus, showing the obedience of the infant muse.

Chapter companion notes

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See Phillis Wheatley in Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral

See Phillis Wheatley in Dedication