# On Being Brought from Africa to America explained — Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral

> Chapter companion for Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral by Phillis Wheatley.

## What happens

The speaker reflects on being brought from Africa to America, acknowledging it as an act of divine mercy that led to Christian redemption. She notes the scorn some hold for Black people but reminds Christians that even those with black skin, like Cain, can be refined and join the angelic train.

## Themes in this chapter

### Christian Redemption and Salvation

The poem centers on the speaker's redemption through Christianity, contrasting her former pagan state with her new faith.

### Race and Identity

Wheatley addresses racial prejudice directly, asserting that Black people can be saved and join the angelic train despite scornful views.

## Character check-ins

### Phillis Wheatley

The speaker and author, reflecting on her own experience of being brought from Africa to America and her Christian conversion.

## Key lines

> 'Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land, Taught my benighted soul to understand That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too: Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.

It was divine mercy that brought me from my non-Christian homeland and enlightened my ignorant soul to know God and Jesus, though I had not previously sought or understood redemption.

_Wheatley frames her enslavement and transport as an act of mercy leading to Christian salvation._

> Some view our sable race with scornful eye, 'Their colour is a diabolic die.' Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain, May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train.

Some people look down on our Black race with contempt, saying our color is a mark of the devil. But Christians should remember that Black people, even those as dark as Cain, can be purified and join the angels in heaven.

_Wheatley challenges racist assumptions by asserting the spiritual equality of Black Christians._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/on-being-brought-from-africa-to-america
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters