Phillis Wheatley, born in Gambia around 1753, was enslaved and brought to America in 1761, joining the Wheatley family in Boston.
Named after the ship that transported her, Phillis was educated by the Wheatleys, swiftly mastering the Bible, classics, British literature, astronomy and geography.
By fourteen, she began her poetic journey, gaining fame with a 1770 elegy. In 1773, Wheatley, supported by the English Countess of Huntingdon, visited London to publish her first collection, a groundbreaking work by a black American woman.
Her poems, influenced by iconic poets, African heritage and her strong Christian beliefs, were celebrated by both abolitionists and enslavers.
As a patriot, her disdain for slavery grew. Marrying a free black man, John Peters, in 1778, their three children tragically didn’t survive.
Wheatley, who later struggled financially, passed away in 1784. Her literary achievements championed the intellectual capabilities of African Americans, aiding abolitionist causes.
Phillis Wheatley was the first black poet in America to publish a book.
Here is an amazing collection of quotes by Phillis Wheatley.
Best Phillis Wheatley Quotes
On Virtue O thou bright jewel in my aim I strive To comprehend thee. ~ Phillis Wheatley.
Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain, May be refin’d and join th’ angelic train. ~ Phillis Wheatley.
Imagination! who can sing thy force? Or who describe the swiftness of thy course? ~ Phillis Wheatley.
For nobler themes demand a nobler strain, And purer language on th’ ethereal plain. ~ Phillis Wheatley.
When first thy pencil did these beaties give; And breathing figures learnt from thee to live. ~ Phillis Wheatley.
Once I redemption neither sought nor knew. Some view our sable race with scornful eye, ‘Their color is a diabolic die.’ ~ Phillis Wheatley.
By her unveil’d each horrid crime appears, Her awful hand a cup of wormwood bears. Days, years mispent, O what a hell of woe! Hers the worst tortures that our souls can know. ~ Phillis Wheatley.
No longer shall thou dread the iron chain, Which wanton Tyranny with lawless hand Had made, and with it meant t’enslave the land. ~ Phillis Wheatley.
The world is a severe schoolmaster, for its frowns are less dangerous than its smiles and flatteries, and it is a difficult task to keep in the path of wisdom. ~ Phillis Wheatley.
Famous Phillis Wheatley Quotes
May be refined, and join the angelic train. ~ Phillis Wheatley.
While blooming wreaths around thy temples spread, I’ll snatch a laurel from thine honour’d head, While you indulgent smile upon the deed. ~ Phillis Wheatley.
Inspiring Phillis Wheatley Quotes
Majestic grandeur! From the zephyr’s wing, Exhales the incense of the blooming spring. ~ Phillis Wheatley.
Aurora hail, and all the thousand dies,Which deck thy progress through the vaulted skies:The morn awakes, and wide extends her rays,On ev’ry leaf the gentle zephyr plays;Harmonious lays the feather’d race resume,Dart the bright eye, and shake the painted plume. ~ Phillis Wheatley.
Through thickest gloom look back, immortal shade,On that confusion which thy death has made. ~ Phillis Wheatley.
Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land, Taught my benighted soul to understand That there’s a God, that there’s a Savior too: Once I redemption neither sought nor knew. ~ Phillis Wheatley.
I, young in life, by seeming cruel fate Was snatch’d from Afric’s fancy’d happy seat. ~ Phillis Wheatley.
Hold in bondage Afric: blameless race Let virtue reign and then accord our prayers Be victory ours and generous freedom theirs. ~ Phillis Wheatley.
Unforgettable Phillis Wheatley Quotes
The world is a severe schoolmaster, for its frowns are less dangerous than its smiles and flatteries, and it is a difficult task to keep in the path of wisdom. ~ Phillis Wheatley.
In every human Beast, God has implanted a Principle, which we call Love of Freedom; it is impatient of Oppression, and pants for Deliverance. ~ Phillis Wheatley.
The world is a severe schoolmaster, for its frowns are less dangerous than its smiles and flatteries, and it is a difficult task to keep in the path of wisdom. ~ Phillis Wheatley.
Freed from a world of sin, and snares, and pain, Why would you wish your daughter back again? ~ Phillis Wheatley.
Thou didst, in strains of eloquence refin’d, Inflame the soul, and captivate the mind. ~ Phillis Wheatley.
Proceed, great chief, with virtue on thy side, Thy every action let the goddess guide. ~ Phillis Wheatley.
So these were the 27 top Phillis Wheatley quotes and sayings.
If you like these quotes and sayings, then you can also read my other posts on Stokely Carmichael quotes and Anne Rice quotes.
