Phillis Wheatley's Poetic Style: Beyond The Surface

Phillis Wheatley's Poetic Style: Beyond the Surface

When we delve into the world of Phillis Wheatley, a towering figure in early American literature, one of the most compelling aspects to explore is the nature of her poetry. Her work, penned during a time of immense societal constraint and personal adversity, often leaves readers pondering how best to categorize its distinct voice. Among the choices presented – A. Thrilling, B. Reserved, C. Matter of fact, and D. Emotive – a closer examination reveals that Phillis Wheatley's poetry often transcends simple labels, though certain characteristics are more pronounced than others. While her poems might not always be thrilling in the modern, action-packed sense, they certainly possess a power and resonance that captivates and moves the reader. Her subject matter, often focused on weighty themes of faith, mortality, and the human condition, is handled with a grace and intellect that can be deeply engaging. The precision of her language and the structured form of her verse, characteristic of the Neoclassical era, contribute to an overall impression that is far from frivolous. Therefore, while not always overtly sensational, the intellectual and emotional impact of her work is undeniable.

Let us consider the option that Phillis Wheatley's poetry is reserved. This might seem plausible given the formal constraints of the poetry of her time and the societal expectations placed upon a Black woman in 18th-century America. There is indeed a sense of decorum and control in her verse, a careful selection of words and adherence to established poetic forms. However, to label her work as purely reserved would be to overlook the profound emotional depth that lies beneath the surface. Wheatley was a woman who experienced the profound injustice of enslavement, the loss of loved ones, and the complexities of faith in the face of suffering. These experiences, while perhaps not expressed with the unrestrained outpouring of emotion seen in later Romantic poetry, find their way into her work through subtle yet powerful means. Her poems on death, for instance, carry a palpable sense of grief and contemplation. Her appeals to reason and virtue, while couched in formal language, hint at a passionate desire for understanding and recognition. Therefore, while there is an element of restraint, it is a deliberate artistic choice that serves to amplify, rather than diminish, the underlying emotional currents within her poetry. The power of her message often comes from the controlled intensity, the carefully chosen words that carry significant weight.

Another characterization offered is that Phillis Wheatley's poetry is matter of fact. This description suggests a straightforward, unadorned presentation of reality, devoid of embellishment or deep feeling. While Wheatley's language is often clear and precise, and she frequently employs direct address and states her arguments plainly, it is an oversimplification to deem her poetry merely matter of fact. Her poems are infused with a rich tapestry of classical allusions, biblical references, and philosophical musings. She uses figurative language, such as metaphors and personification, to explore complex ideas and emotions. For example, her elegies are not simply factual accounts of death; they are explorations of the soul's journey, the nature of eternity, and the solace found in faith. Even in her poems addressing public events, there is an underlying moral and spiritual dimension that elevates them beyond mere factual reporting. Wheatley’s work is deeply engaged with the intellectual currents of her time, and she uses her poetic craft to convey profound truths and insights. The