25 Inspiring Quotes By Phillis Wheatley

•

Updated: February 8th, 2022

Phillis Wheatley was an African-American poet who was the first published black female poet in North America. Born into slavery in West Africa, she was sold into slavery and transported to North America (Boston) where she was bought by the Wheatley family, a distinguished family who owned a bookstore. The Wheatley family encouraged her poetry when they saw her talent.

When the British Stamp Act was repealed, the Wheatleys persuaded Phillis to write the king of England a poem. This became the first book written by an African-American—a book filled with poems expressing ideas of the rebellious colonists, supporting their cause against British taxation without representation.

Phillis Wheatley's poem, "The Negro's Complaint", was one of the most moving pieces to be written by an African American during that time. Phillis was sold into slavery as a child and as such, there is so much pain in this poem that Wheatley discusses the fact that even though she was a talented poet, her skin color wouldn't allow her to reach her full potential in society.

We've put together an incredible collection of the best Phillis Wheatley quotes to read.

Here they are:

Inspiring Phillis Wheatley Quotes On Virtue

Proceed, great chief, with virtue on thy side, Thy every action let the goddess guide.

Thou didst, in strains of eloquence refin'd, Inflame the soul, and captivate the mind.

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.

On Virtue O thou bright jewel in my aim I strive To comprehend thee.

While blooming wreaths around thy temples spread, I'll snatch a laurel from thine honour'd head, While you indulgent smile upon the deed.

Majestic grandeur! From the zephyr’s wing, Exhales the incense of the blooming spring.

Powerful Phillis Wheatley Quotes On Being Brought from Africa to America

Since my return to America my Master, has at the desire of my friends in England given me my freedom.

Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain, /May be refin'd and join th' angelic train.

May be refined, and join the angelic train.

In every human Beast, God has implanted a Principle, which we call Love of Freedom; it is impatient of Oppression, and pants for Deliverance.

I, young in life, by seeming cruel fate Was snatch’d from Afric’s fancy’d happy seat.

Favorite Phillis Wheatley Quotes On Imagination

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.

Through thickest gloom look back, immortal shade,On that confusion which thy death has made.

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.

When first thy pencil did these beaties give; And breathing figures learnt from thee to live.

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.

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.

Imagination! who can sing thy force? Or who describe the swiftness of thy course?

For nobler themes demand a nobler strain, And purer language on th’ ethereal plain.

Famous Phillis Wheatley Quotes On Slavery

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.

No longer shall thou dread the iron chain, Which wanton Tyranny with lawless hand Had made, and with it meant t’enslave the land.

Freed from a world of sin, and snares, and pain, Why would you wish your daughter back again?

Once I redemption neither sought nor knew. Some view our sable race with scornful eye, 'Their colour is a diabolic die.'

Her soul with grief opprest But let no sighs, no groans for me Steal from her pensive breast.

Hold in bondage Afric: blameless race Let virtue reign and then accord our prayers Be victory ours and generous freedom theirs.

meet the author

Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.

See full profile