Question

Compare Wheatley's description of her enslavement and captivity in both of her poems, especially in lines 20-31 of "On Being Brought from Africa to America." How might her purpose shape her description in each case?

a) She emphasizes freedom and resistance in both poems to convey her resilience.
b) She portrays captivity as dehumanizing but highlights hope and faith in her ability to overcome.
c) She depicts enslavement as a necessary path to enlightenment and spiritual growth.
d) She contrasts the brutality of enslavement with the beauty of her African heritage, emphasizing her cultural identity.

Answer 1

Phillis Wheatley's purpose shapes her description of enslavement and captivity in her poems. She emphasizes freedom and resistance to convey her resilience.

Step-by-step explanation:

Phillis Wheatley's poems highlight her experiences of enslavement and captivity, particularly in lines 20-31 of her poem 'On Being Brought from Africa to America.' Her purpose shapes her description in each case. She portrays captivity as dehumanizing but highlights hope and faith in her ability to overcome. This can be seen in her emphasis on freedom and resistance in both poems to convey her resilience.