Phillis Wheatley was born in the year, 1753 in West Africa, present day Senegal. When she turned 8 years old, she was brought on the ship called The Phillis, to British ruled Boston, Massachusetts on July 16th, 1761 to be sold for slavery.
Phillis was then sold to the wealthy merchant and tailor, John Wheatley, for his wife, Susanna. They named the young girl Phillis after the name of the boat she came on. Phillis was taken under Susanna’s wing to be a servant. She suffered …show more content…
*Excerpt from her book*
She focused her poems on her own beliefs and ideas. She used three primary elements in her works: Christianity, classicism, and hierophantic solar worship.
After the publication of her book, Phillis went to London to promote her poems, and also received medical treatment for her ongoing health problems. There she met with many important figures in British society.
When she returned from London, Phillis’ life changed significantly. She was freed from slavery, but also faced the deaths of her masters, John and Susanna.
Along with Wheatley’s poetry, she was able to express her thoughts and concerns to others. In 1775, she sent a copy of a poem, “To His Excellency, George Washington” to him. One year later, Washington invited her to come visit in his headquarters in Cambridge.
When 1778 came around, Phillis married John Peters, a free African American. They had three children who all died in their early years. The couple faced constant poverty, causing strain on their marriage. With little money, Phillis had to find work as a