Final answer:
Phillis Wheatley subtly critiques slavery and racial prejudices by using biblical references and diacritical marks in her poetry, demonstrating her intelligence and challenging the perception of African inferiority.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the poetry of Phillis Wheatley, critics have identified a covert response to racial prejudices and the questioning of her intelligence due to her African heritage. Wheatley employs subversive tactics in her work, embedding critiques of slavery and affirmations of her mental equality with whites through the use of biblical allusions and diacritical marks. Scholars like Sondra O'Neale and Lonnell E. Johnson highlight Wheatley's strategic use of biblical language to challenge the evangelical community and their racial doctrines, as seen in her calling to "Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain." Likewise, her appropriation of Christian ideals served to subtly lampoon the institution of slavery as she questioned the failure of her Christian readers to recognize the brotherhood of all humans. Antonio T. Bly notes the complexity and subverted meanings found in her use of diacritical marks, which enhance the power of words and invite deeper reflection on their significance. Her adept manipulation of literary forms and conventions demonstrates her intelligence and serves to confront the misconceptions of African inferiority.