Phillis Wheatley's 1773 poem, "On Being Brought From Africa to America," stands as a remarkable, albeit controversial, testament to the intellectual and spiritual life of an enslaved woman in the 18th century. Far from a simple lament of her condition, the poem offers a nuanced perspective on her conversion to Christianity and its role in her understanding of salvation and her perceived place in America. Wheatley crafts a deliberate ambiguity that allows for both a critique of the dehumanizing institution of slavery and an expression of genuine religious faith, challenging contemporary notions of Black inferiority and the inherent injustice of her bondage.
The opening lines immediately establish the poem's central paradox: "’Twas mercy brought me from my pagan land, / This blessed isle, America, with her indulgent hand." Wheatley frames her forced transatlantic voyage not as an act of brutal kidnapping, but as a divinely orchestrated event. This interpretation is crucial. By presenting her "being brought" as an act of "mercy," she strategically engages with the prevailing Christian worldview of her time, which often viewed non-Christians as needing salvation. Her "pagan land" is contrasted with "this blessed isle," suggesting a spiritual uplift. This framing, while appearing to justify her enslavement as a pathway to salvation, is also a subtle assertion of her humanity. By acknowledging her pre-Christian existence, she implicitly claims a history and identity separate from the one imposed upon her by her enslavers. Furthermore, the phrase "her indulgent hand" carries a sarcastic bite, hinting at the harsh realities of American slavery that belied any notion of indulgence.
Wheatley continues this complex negotiation of faith and freedom in the subsequent lines: "I find, among our sable kind, / Some view their human race with scornful eye, / Their color is the diabolic dye." Here, she directly confronts the racial prejudice she experiences, even within the Christian community. The "sable kind" refers to other Black individuals, suggesting that some, perhaps those who have internalized the prejudice of their enslavers, or those who have not yet experienced the transformative power of Christianity as Wheatley has, judge others based on skin color. Wheatley argues against this superficial judgment, asserting that "color is the diabolic dye." This is a bold statement; she positions the prejudice itself, not the skin color, as the work of the devil. This elevates Blackness beyond a mark of sin or inferiority and instead condemns the racist attitudes that devalue it.
The poem culminates in a powerful affirmation of Christian doctrine and its potential for universal salvation: "Remember Christians, Negroes, black as Cain, / May join the angelic train, and from the tomb / Afar on wings of faith, ascend the skies." Wheatley directly addresses her Christian readers, urging them to remember that all people, regardless of their outward appearance or earthly condition, are capable of spiritual redemption. The reference to Cain, often depicted as cursed with dark skin in some biblical interpretations, is a deliberate choice. By including "Negroes, black as Cain" among those who "may join the angelic train," Wheatley directly challenges the racist application of this biblical narrative. She reclaims the figure of Cain, suggesting that even those marked by perceived sin or curse can achieve salvation. This is not an endorsement of slavery but a powerful assertion of spiritual equality that implicitly critiques the hypocrisy of a society that enslaves people while claiming to follow a religion of love and universal brotherhood. Her ultimate vision is one of ascension, where "wings of faith" transcend earthly limitations, including the chains of bondage.
In "On Being Brought From Africa to America," Phillis Wheatley masterfully navigates the treacherous terrain of her existence. She utilizes the language and framework of her captors' religion not to legitimize her enslavement, but to expose its inherent contradictions and assert her own spiritual and intellectual equality. The poem is a sophisticated act of resistance, employing faith as a tool for liberation and challenging the prevailing racist ideologies of her time. Through her carefully chosen words, Wheatley insists on a vision of humanity where spiritual worth transcends color and circumstance, a vision that continues to resonate today.