QUESTION ONE

Phillis Wheatley (1761-1784) was born in West Africa. She was kidnapped and brought to Boston as a
slave when she was just 7 years old. Phillis was purchased by John and Susanna Wheatley, a wealthy
Boston couple. The couple gave her the opportunity to learn to read and write.

Wheatley quickly showed a talent for poetry, and her first book of poems, Poems on Various Subjects,
Religious and Moral was published in 1773. The book was a critical and commercial success, and
Wheatley was hailed as a prodigy. She became the first black person to have a book of poems published
in the United States.

Wheatley's success was a major challenge to the racist stereotypes of the time, which held that blacks
were incapable of intellectual achievement. Her poems were praised for their beauty, originality, and
intelligence. Besides her prowess in poetry, she was praised for her moral character and her
commitment to Christianity (Gates, 1987).

Some critics have accused Wheatley of failing to use her talents in the antislavery cause. However, the
reason for this is that Wheatley was a slave herself. She had to be careful not to say anything that could
jeopardize her freedom. Despite this, her opposition to slavery is clear in some of her poems, such as
"On Being Brought from Africa to America" (Mason, 2008).

Wheatley's poems are significant because they represent a breakthrough in the struggle for racial
equality. They showed that blacks were capable of intellectual achievement. This helped challenge the
racist stereotypes of the time (Richards, 2017). Wheatley's poems are still read and admired today, and
they continue to inspire people of all races.

REFERENCES

Gates, H. L., Jr. (1987). The Trials of Phillis Wheatley. New York: Basic Books.

Mason, M. (2008). Phillis Wheatley: A Biography. New York: Basic Civitas Books.

Richards, C. (2017). Phillis Wheatley's Writings: A Critical Anthology. New York: Routledge.

QUESTION 2

The Theme of Freedom Is Evident in David Walker's "Appeal"

David Walker's "Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World" is a landmark text in African American
literature. Having been published in 1829, it is one of the earliest and most influential anti-slavery books.
The "Appeal" is a powerful indictment of slavery and racism calling black Americans to rise up and fight
for their freedom.

The theme of freedom is evident throughout the "Appeal." Walker argues that all people are created
equal and have the right to freedom. He denounces slavery as a crime against humanity. Further, he
urges black Americans to demand their freedom. The book courageously calls out the hypocrisy of
American society, which proclaims freedom for all yet black people remain in slavery.
Walker writes about the hypocrisy of American society. He refers to the Declaration of Independence
that proclaims that "all men are created equal" and that "they are endowed by their Creator with certain
unalienable rights such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." He argues that these words are
pointless as far as black people remained enslaved.

David Walker's work is a call to action for black Americans. Walker urges them to unite and fight for their
freedom. David advises that black people have nothing to lose by fighting, and that they had everything
to gain.

The "Appeal" is a powerful and influential document that has had a lasting impact on African American
literature and culture. It is a testament to Walker's courage and vision, and it continues to inspire people
all over the world who are fighting for freedom.