Being Brought From Africa to America
Who is the speaker in the poem, Being Brought From Africa to America?
Being Brought From Africa to America
Asked by
Jill W
Last updated by
Jill W
Being Brought From Africa to America
The speaker (who has historically been equated with Wheatley herself) is the central character in the poem. Readers are given a few pieces of information about her: she was brought "from Africa to America." Presumably, she was born in Africa, which she characterizes as a "pagan land," and then brought to America (1). Once there, she received some education and was exposed to the Christian faith. The speaker is now a devout Christian who understands her conversion as a redemption. She is also an insightful and bold character, using what she knows about her experience of both Blackness and Christianity to address the reality of racism.
BookRags