Phyllis Wheatley: Life and Legacy

Phyllis Wheatley Peters, an enslaved African girl, became a renowned American poet before the 19th century. Captured at age seven, she was brought to Boston, where she was educated by the Wheatley family. By age 14, she was writing poetry and mastering Greek and Latin. Despite societal prejudices, she gained fame, publishing her poems in London in 1773. Her work challenged the belief that black people were incapable of intellectual achievement. Wheatley met notable figures, including George Washington, but faced criticism from others like Thomas Jefferson. Her legacy endures through her poetry.

Who was Phyllis Wheatley Peters?

• A celebrated musician

• A well-known painter

• A renowned scientist

• A famous American poet before the 19th century

From which region was Phyllis Wheatley captured?

• South Africa

• North Africa

• West Africa

• East Africa

What was notable about Phyllis Wheatley's education?

• She learned to read and write despite being enslaved

• She was not allowed to learn anything

• She only learned basic arithmetic

• She was taught only household chores

Why was Phyllis Wheatley taken to London?

• To visit family

• To publish her book of poems

• To escape slavery

• To study at a university

Who was Selena Hastings in relation to Phyllis Wheatley?

• Her friend

• Her sponsor for poem publication

• Her publisher

• Her teacher

What did Phyllis Wheatley send to George Washington?

• A letter of complaint

• A poem titled 'To His Excellency George Washington'

• A book of her poems

• A request for freedom

How did Thomas Jefferson react to Phyllis Wheatley's poetry?

• He praised her work

• He ignored her work

• He supported her publication

• He criticized her work