Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral · Chapter
To the University of Cambridge, in New-England explained
Phillis Wheatley addresses the students of Harvard, reflecting on her own journey from Africa ("the land of errors, and Egyptian gloom") to America, and urges them to embrace their Christian faith, study the heavens, and avoid sin.
What happens
Phillis Wheatley addresses the students of Harvard, reflecting on her own journey from Africa ("the land of errors, and Egyptian gloom") to America, and urges them to embrace their Christian faith, study the heavens, and avoid sin. She emphasizes Christ's redemptive sacrifice and warns against the deadly consequences of sin.
Themes in this chapter
Christian Redemption and Salvation
The poem centers on Christ's sacrifice and the call for students to embrace redemption.
Freedom and Enslavement
Wheatley contrasts her physical journey from Africa ("Egyptian gloom") with spiritual freedom through Christ.
Characters to notice
- Phillis Wheatley
The speaker who recounts her journey from Africa and addresses the students.
- Jesus
Described as the Son of God who died for humanity's redemption.
Key passages
“Father of mercy, ’twas thy gracious hand Brought me in safety from those dark abodes.”
God mercifully guided me safely out of Africa.
Wheatley attributes her safe passage to divine providence.
“See him with hands out-stretcht upon the cross; Immense compassion in his bosom glows;”
Visualize Christ on the cross, his arms open, filled with immense love.
A vivid depiction of the crucifixion as an act of compassion.
“An Ethiop tells you ’tis your greatest foe; Its transient sweetness turns to endless pain, And in immense perdition sinks the soul.”
I, an African, warn you that sin is your worst enemy; its temporary pleasure leads to eternal suffering.
Wheatley uses her identity as an 'Ethiop' to lend authority to her moral warning.