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Poems on various subjects, religious and moral

By Phillis Wheatley
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American LiteraturePoetry

About This Book

A varied collection of hymns, odes, elegies, occasional pieces, and moral meditations that probe providence, mortality, gratitude, imagination, and the consolations of faith. Many poems offer tributes and dedications, reflect on nature and the celestial order, and employ classical allusion alongside Christian language to consider human duty and divine mercy. The tone shifts between devotional awe, plaintive mourning, and measured praise, and the verse displays formal skill in rhyme and meter while addressing loss, admiration, and ethical reflection.

About the Author

Wheatley, Phillis portrait

Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley was an African American poet born in West Africa and brought to America as a slave. She is best known for her groundbreaking collection, "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral," published in 1773, which made her the first published African American female poet. Wheatley's work often reflects her deep Christian faith and explores themes of freedom, identity, and the human experience. Her poetry garnered attention from prominent figures of her time, including George Washington, and she played a significant role in the literary heritage of the 18th century, challenging the prevailing notions of race and gender in literature.

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