The Legacy of Phillis Wheatley: A Poet Ahead of Her Time
Phillis Wheatley, an iconic figure in American literature, emerged as a remarkable voice during a time when the constraints of her status as an enslaved woman limited her expression and opportunities. Despite these challenges, she gained recognition from influential figures like George Washington, Samson Occom, and Thomas Paine, who acknowledged her exceptional talent. However, as time progressed, Wheatley’s prominence began to wane, a trend noted by literary scholars such as Davis, who remarked on the decline of Wheatley’s recognition after the 1930s and 1940s.
A Legacy Fading into Obscurity
Davis pointed out a troubling reality: “Most young people today have never heard of her.” This lack of awareness can be attributed to the complexity of her work, which features archaic phrasing and idioms that often hinder modern readers from grasping her profound messages. Wheatley’s poetry, steeped in the language of her time, can appear daunting and inaccessible, obscuring her significance in American literary history.
Constraints of Expression
The constraints of Wheatley’s circumstances significantly shaped her work. As Davis suitably noted, “She wasn’t free to speak her mind.” Many contemporary readers perceive her as insufficiently liberal or expressive regarding her situation, yet they overlook the harsh restraints imposed on her as an enslaved woman. Wheatley navigated a complex world where her ability to articulate her thoughts was curtailed by societal norms and personal limitations.
Early Recognitions and Acclaim
One of Wheatley’s defining moments came in 1770 with the composition of “An Elegiac Poem, on the Death of that Celebrated Divine, and Eminent Servant of Jesus Christ, the Reverend and Learned George Whitefield.” This poem not only showcased her literary prowess but also garnered her international acclaim when it was published alongside Ebenezer Pemberton’s funeral sermon for Whitefield in London in 1771. Through this work, Wheatley proved her worth as a poet in a society largely unprepared to embrace her contributions.
Publishing Amidst Injustice
Despite her literary achievements, Wheatley published her work while still enslaved, with support from the family that owned her. Interestingly, while America appeared reluctant to celebrate a Black female author, England was ready to embrace her talent. When the Wheatley family traveled abroad, they played a crucial role in disseminating her poetry, thereby securing her international recognition long before America came to appreciate her significance.
A Posthumous Recognition in South Carolina
It wasn’t until years after her death that the United States began to acknowledge Wheatley’s contributions, particularly in South Carolina. In 1916, Charleston honored her legacy with the establishment of the Phillis Wheatley Literary and Social Club, one of the city’s first organizations dedicated to the literary pursuits of Black women. This club played a vital role in promoting her legacy and providing a space for discourse on the importance of literature in the Black community.
Community Engagement and Literary Advocacy
Davis shared that the club was founded by her husband’s grandmother, Jeannette Cox, whose husband was the principal of the Avery Normal Institute. The organization became a vibrant hub for discussions about literary significance and welcomed prolific authors such as W.E.B. Du Bois and Langston Hughes as guests. More than just a literary society, the club also embraced its role as a community advocate, supporting local organizations like the Jenkins Orphanage and the NAACP, thus extending Wheatley’s legacy beyond literature into social justice.
Addressing Injustices
In a notable move in 1935, the women of the Phillis Wheatley Literary and Social Club actively engaged in advocacy by writing letters to U.S. representatives, senators, and the president. They urged support for the Costigan-Wagner Bill, which aimed to prosecute participants in lynch mobs—a stark reminder that Wheatley’s legacy continues to resonate as a call for justice and equality. Club member Tammy McCorry emphasized the importance of this advocacy, showcasing how Wheatley’s literary contributions transcended mere poetry to influence significant social change.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Journey
Phillis Wheatley’s journey from obscurity to recognition serves as a testament to her remarkable talent and the lasting impact of her work. Despite the barriers she faced, her poetry continues to inspire conversations about race, identity, and the power of literary expression. The efforts of organizations such as the Phillis Wheatley Literary and Social Club ensure that her legacy endures, reminding future generations of the profound contributions made by individuals like her in the tapestry of American history.
