Final answer:
Vivian Salmon and various scholars including Matson, Levernier, and Scruggs have explored how the poetry of Phillis Wheatley was influenced by her Christian beliefs, views on slavery, and historical context.
The interpretations suggest Wheatley's work is both a reflection and critique of the society she lived in and that history and personal circumstances notably shape poetry.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vivian Salmon believes that the poem "Wordsworth" was influenced by the poet William Wordsworth's work and his Romantic ideals. Similarly, the influence of historical context on literature can be seen through examples such as Phillis Wheatley's poetry, which reflects her Christian beliefs and at times, indirectly critiques slavery.
The imagery in her poems, her omission of certain works for broad publication, and scholars' various interpretations highlight the complexity of how history and personal circumstances influence literary expression. Wheatley's Christian views affected her perception and representation of slavery as seen through the use of biblical allusion and metaphors in her poems.
Literary scholars such as R. Lynn Matson, James Levernier, Charles Scruggs, and others have debated and interpreted the influence of history and personal circumstances in Wheatley's poetry.
Their analyses show that Wheatley utilized her literary works to navigate and respond to the societal conditions of her time, expressing her vision within the constraints she faced.
The discussion of these influences on Wheatley's writings underscores the broader conversation about how historical events, cultural contexts, and individual experiences shape poetic expression and the capacity of poetry to reflect upon and engage with its time.