Poetic Analysis (Term Paper Sample)

Literal works are usually considered from different perspectives depending on those who analyze them. The argumentative process of forming the rays of opinions is generally referred to as literary analysis. The poem On Being Brought from Africa to America is a real-life experience of a woman named Phillis Wheatley, both the author and poet of this literal piece. The analysis of this poem will look into the thematic concerns, the imagery, and various concepts of the poet’s lifestyle. It will also involve the syntax or structural analysis of the entire poem and its relevance to the main message in the poem.
Author and First Impression
As aforementioned, the author (Phillis Wheatly) is a victim of the inhumane practice of the slave trade that erupted early during the ages of civilization. Having been abducted at seven and made to live as an enslaved person in a foreign land, she portrays positivity in all that befalls her (Hidalgo 82). The first impression is the positive attitude determined to explore greater altitudes. What surprises and compels most to love the conceptual framework of her mindset is that she sees the fate of slavery as a golden opportunity that earned her salvation and the gift of knowing Christianity.
Themes
There are various concepts brought out in the literal work very transparently. They indeed form the core intentions of the poet. The first theme is the culture of racism which is portrayed. There are also aspects of religious matters and prejudice. They have all been mentioned in various capacities to help cement the author’s objectives in the mindset of all her readers.
Racism
The practice of segregation, considering the racial sects, is very evident in the poem. The blacks are looked down upon as a very inferior group of people who deserve to be treated with minimal dignity. For this reason, most of them are enslaved in foreign lands. Phillis finds herself among the victim. In line five of the poem, she reiterates, “Some view our sable race with the scornful eye” (Wheatley 435). This, among many other texts, is sure evidence that racism is a problem that needs to be addressed in society.
Religion
Another prevalent issue that comes out in the poem is the faith in Christianity. It is a positive culture that marvels the author of the poem. She appreciates her fate because it has made her understand the gift of Christianity. Lines one and two of the poem introduce solid concepts of Christianity. She states, “Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land, taught my benighted soul to understand” (Wheatley 435). This implies the love she has had for the fact that she forsook paganism and joined a better religion.
Prejudice
The blacks are looked down upon in the American land. Many acts of prejudice and cultural practices naturally associate the blacks with curses, inferiority, and lack of wisdom. The poet states in line five, “Some view our race with the scornful eye” (Wheatley 435). She asserts the forms of ill-treatment accorded to the black people enslaved in America. Prejudice also leads to the association of black skin with evil. It thus affects the blacks living in the country as enslaved people.
Symbolism and Imagery
There are many aspects of symbolism and imagery in the poem. The poet uses darkness to portray the ignorance of their native race and the calamities that befall her and other black people. The phrase referring to the black race as a sable race is an aspect of symbolism. It points out Africans as people with low quality of life and unenlightened vision. The imagery of ignorance has also been brought out in several instances by using darkness and its illustrations. A good example is an admission that Africans “are a little in the dark” (Wheatley 435). It affirms that they are ignorant about so many things. The darkness is therefore used as a form of imagery.
Structure/Syntax
The poem is structured in a simple stanza with eight lines. There is regularity in the rhythm. Each of the lines is present with eight beats per line. This is usually referred to as the classic iambic pentameter. It is a sign of a regular rhythm. The tone in the poem is a mixture of relief and lamentation. The reserve is evident when the author acknowledges Christianity and appreciates learning it. The moans are apparent from how the author puts the racial segregation practices and the despise of the blacks who are taken as enslaved people (Wideman 561). The author adds to the aesthetic artistical value by using various poetic devices. The devices make the poem enjoyable and enhance its rhythm. A good example is an alliteration in the phrase “diabolic dye” (Wheatley 435). It adds aesthetic value to the poem.
What stands out in the poem is how the message of Christianity influences the poetic narrative. Although it is a sound religion that converts the poet, it fails to bear a complete meaning among the whites. They continually disregard Africans and other black races. They use them as their slaves. This is a different concept from the teachings of Christianity. The Decision-making character of the author also stands out with a remarkable peculiarity. She takes things positively. She accepts her fate as being in the dark. She rejoices in Christianity. She also campaigns against all forms of evil that happen against their people. Such decisions are wise and significant. The audience realizes that not all things come on a silver platter. Sometimes we have to part ways with our comfort priorities to achieve higher. Some things are better learned through pain. Some goals are also achieved through painful experiences. The story has a historical and social context. The historical part dates back to the period when civilization began. In the 16th century, Africans were enslaved, and Phillis was among the victims (Bly 332). Their experiences are well captured in the poem. The social context is evident in all the forms of inequality in the poem. Racism and prejudice are forms of social antagonism.
Conclusion
Opportunities often present in different ways. At the same time, some may look at challenges as barriers to their most valued objectives. Others perceive them as stepping stones. That usually creates a significant difference between the two classes of people. While most people taken to slavery lamented and gave up, Phillis Wheatley seizes the opportunity and makes the best use of it. She comes out a vocal on the great things she benefitted from, especially enlightenment. She also hesitates not to point out the cruel ways of treatment and despise by the Americans whom they lived with. She becomes the voice of many black victims of such an inhumane act. Indeed, the poem On Being Brought from Africa to America is filled with deep insights into the Africans’ experiences in slavery.