ABSTRACT
Education, religion, and virtue are common themes in the poems of Phillis Wheatley (c.1753-1784). Brought to America as a small child, she was a first-generation, African slave who received outstanding educational opportunities. “ On Being Brought from Africa to America” refl ects not only her appreciation but also the hope, faith, and religious ideals developed in her New England home. “ To the University of Cambridge” was written when she was only about 13 years old. It celebrates the educational world from science, history, and current events to the religious themes that pervade her verses; it also encourages the “ blooming plants” (students) to beware transgressions and evil. Companion poems “ An Hymn to Morning” and “ An Hymn to Evening” are written in a classical and traditional style. Morning awakes, but the poet regrets the day is so short. Night is soothing and replenishing. The poems are circular, beginning and ending with an address to Aurora (the goddess of the dawn). Wheatley’s only book of poetry was published in 1773.
