Phillis Wheatley

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Who was Phillis Wheatley?

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Phillis Wheatley was the first published African American female poet, known for her poetry that addressed themes of race, freedom, and religion.

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What age was Phillis Wheatley when she was sold into slavery?

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7 or 8 years old.

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How many languages did Phillis Wheatley learn?

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She learned 3 languages: English, Latin, and Greek.

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What is the main theme of the poem 'On Being Brought from Africa to America'?

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The poem reflects on the speaker's journey from Africa to America, considering it a mercy and a blessing.

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What challenges did Phillis Wheatley face in getting her poems published?

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Publishers doubted that an enslaved person could write such poetry and were concerned about financial risks.

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What does the term 'sable race' refer to in Wheatley's poetry?

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It refers to people of African descent, highlighting the negative perceptions they faced.

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What is the significance of the phrase 'diabolic die' in Wheatley's work?

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It illustrates the scornful views held by some towards African people, associating their skin color with evil.

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What does Wheatley imply about her experience in America?

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She implies that her experience, despite being rooted in slavery, led to her spiritual awakening and literary success.

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What literary devices does Wheatley commonly use in her poetry?

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Wheatley often uses imagery, personification, and allusion to convey her messages.

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How did Wheatley's work contribute to the abolitionist movement?

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Her poetry provided a powerful voice against slavery and challenged the perceptions of African Americans.