Pre-Assessment "On Being Brought from Africa to America"

What event marked the beginning of Phillis Wheatley's journey to America?

• She was born in America.

• She was seized by slave traders in West Africa.

• She was brought to America by her family.

• She traveled to America as a free woman.

How old was Phillis Wheatley when she was taken from her home?

• Five years old

• Seven years old

• Ten years old

• Twelve years old

What is the primary theme of Wheatley's poem "On Being Brought from Africa to America"?

• The beauty of nature

• The struggle for freedom

• Faith and redemption

• The importance of education

Which notable figure signed a preface to Wheatley’s volume, verifying her authorship?

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin

• John Hancock

• Thomas Jefferson

What does Wheatley mean by "sable race" in her poem?

• A reference to her African heritage

• A term for all people of color

• A description of the weather

• A metaphor for darkness

In the line "May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train," what does "refin'd" suggest?

• To become wealthy

• To improve morally or spiritually

• To change appearance

• To gain education

What does Wheatley express about the perception of her race in her poem?

• She feels no connection to her ancestry.

• She believes it is viewed with scorn by others.

• She believes it is celebrated by all.

• She feels indifferent about it.

Why is Wheatley's authorship contested?

• She was a child at the time.

• She was a woman.

• She was Black and a slave.

• She wrote in a foreign language.

What literary device is primarily used in the phrase "Their colour is a diabolic die"?

• Alliteration

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Imagery

What was the impact of Wheatley's poetry in American literature?

• It was ignored completely.

• It challenged societal norms about race and gender.

• It was only read in schools.

• It led to her immediate freedom.