Scan barcode
A review by shuly
Poems of Phillis Wheatley by Phillis Wheatley
5.0
I'm new to Phillis Wheatley—I had heard of her in passing a number of times as a historical footnote but this is only my first time reading her work. Her life story and the mythology around her is fascinating, and I get the impression that just reading her poems is only scratching the surface.
It sounds, just from what little I've read about her, like she was an incredibly complex figure. Her work (which is beautiful and deserving of celebration) was tokenized by the white literary world of the late 18th century, then tossed aside in the aftermath of the American Revolution. Her only book of poetry was published when she was 20, and her life was tragically cut short at only 31. Although she left behind plenty of writing, she never wrote an autobiography. Up until recently, the definitive biography on her life was written by a white woman (in the mid-1800s!) who described her life as a white savior narrative and downplayed her anti-slavery views.
In any case, I really enjoyed reading her poems. There are a lot of poems written to honor dead people I've never heard of (I'll be honest that I skimmed through these) but my favorite poems were the biblical and classical ones. “Goliath of Gath. 1 Samuel, Chap. xvii” is absolutely incredible. Even reading it some 200+ years later, her language is so evocative, visual, and visceral! I just love the way her poetry flows (read this entire collection out loud!!)
My favorite poem overall, though, was "Thoughts on the Works of Providence":
I'm definitely going to memorize this one!
Reading these poems was a wonderful experience and it's given me a lot to think about. Clearly, there's still a lot for me to learn. I especially can't wait to get my hands on [b:The Age of Phillis|51805158|The Age of Phillis|Honorée Fanonne Jeffers|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1579198241l/51805158._SX50_SY75_.jpg|73392240] by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, which seems like the perfect starting point for delving into Phillis Wheatley studies.
I leave this book inspired and curious, blessed by Virtue through Phillis' pen.
It sounds, just from what little I've read about her, like she was an incredibly complex figure. Her work (which is beautiful and deserving of celebration) was tokenized by the white literary world of the late 18th century, then tossed aside in the aftermath of the American Revolution. Her only book of poetry was published when she was 20, and her life was tragically cut short at only 31. Although she left behind plenty of writing, she never wrote an autobiography. Up until recently, the definitive biography on her life was written by a white woman (in the mid-1800s!) who described her life as a white savior narrative and downplayed her anti-slavery views.
In any case, I really enjoyed reading her poems. There are a lot of poems written to honor dead people I've never heard of (I'll be honest that I skimmed through these) but my favorite poems were the biblical and classical ones. “Goliath of Gath. 1 Samuel, Chap. xvii” is absolutely incredible. Even reading it some 200+ years later, her language is so evocative, visual, and visceral! I just love the way her poetry flows (read this entire collection out loud!!)
My favorite poem overall, though, was "Thoughts on the Works of Providence":
ARISE, my soul, on wings enraptur’d, rise
To praise the monarch of the earth and skies,
Whose goodness and beneficence appear
As round its centre moves the rolling year,
Or when the morning glows with rosy charms,
Or the sun slumbers in the ocean’s arms:
Of light divine be a rich portion lent
To guide my soul, and favour my intend.
Celestial muse, my arduous flight sustain
And raise my mind to a seraphic strain!
I'm definitely going to memorize this one!
Reading these poems was a wonderful experience and it's given me a lot to think about. Clearly, there's still a lot for me to learn. I especially can't wait to get my hands on [b:The Age of Phillis|51805158|The Age of Phillis|Honorée Fanonne Jeffers|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1579198241l/51805158._SX50_SY75_.jpg|73392240] by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, which seems like the perfect starting point for delving into Phillis Wheatley studies.
I leave this book inspired and curious, blessed by Virtue through Phillis' pen.
"On Virtue"
Attend me, Virtue, thro’ my youthful years!
O leave me not to the false joys of time!
But guide my steps to endless life and bliss.
Greatness, or Goodness, say what I shall call thee,
To give me an higher appellation still,
Teach me a better strain, a nobler lay,
O thou, enthron’d with Cherubs in the realms of day.