In Phillis Wheatley's poem, "On Being Brought from Africa
to America," the speaker considers her voyage to America a blessing or an act of mercy.
This is strange considering she was brought here to be a slave. She considers her former
home, Africa, as a "Pagan land." She feels that being in America has given her the
opportunity to find God. She Has learned that "there is a God, and a Saviour too." She
admits that there was a time in her former country that she did not seek redemption. She
did not know it existed. Being in America has taught her about God's redemptive plan and
for that she is grateful.
The speaker adds that some may
consider her "sable race" with "a scornful eye," but she points out that "Negros" can
find God too. She reminds Christians that Cain was the son of Adam and Eve; therefore,
he is part of God's family. The speaker is preaching to Christians, informing them that
"Negros" are God's children too. She is seeking a little respect even though she is a
slave. She has great courage to write such a poem during her days of slavery. She
definitely stands up for her race and even speaks with a scolding tone to the Christians
who did not believe blacks or slaves could find God:
Remember, Christians, Negros, black as
Cain,
May be refin'd and join th' angelic
train.
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