Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Phillis Wheatley vs. Philip Freneau

    Phillis Wheatley's work consisted mostly of inspiring poems and letters that cried out for freedom and independence. This is much the same as the some of the work of Philip Freneau, who was something of a "literary hit man" for men like Thomas Jefferson.While Freneau wrote for independence of the white man, Wheatley wrote for the black. Her poems were a strong voice during the late 1700's--a time when America was crying out for freedom from Britain, or at the very least representation in the mother country.
   One of Wheatley's main focuses was slavery. It was her belief that American independence and American slavery could not co-exist; in fact, to have such a situation would be very hypocritical. This is what she is trying to show to a secretary of state in her "To the Right Honorable William, Earl of Dartmouth, His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for North America, &c." William Legge was not sympathetic to the cause of the American Revolution (Baym, 754). Wheatley reall butters him up in her poem, which probably helps to get him to accept what she is really trying to say here. You can find the heart of the poem in lines 20-31.
   In Freneau's "To Sir Toby," we can find a different manner of protestation entirely. He provides a more violent presentation of slavery and names the poem in honor of a slave master. He doesn't cut to the chase in the beginning. "If there exists a hell--the case is clear--/ Sir Toby's slaves enjoy that portion here:/ Here are no blazing brimstone lakes--'tis true;/ But kidnled rum too often burns as blue;/ In which some fiend, whom nature must detest,/ Steeps Toby's brand, and marks poor Cudjoe's breat." Freneau goes on to speak of whipping, chains, imprisonment, and lots of creepy crawley things--surely not a pleasant poem.
  Yet he gets a point across to us; that freedom is something slaves long for, yet must pass through inumerable toils to attain.
  This is not the style Phillis Wheatley chooses to use, and I can't help but think she probably gained more fans that way. You know what they say:  you can catch more flies with honey.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Olaudah Equiano

   Olaudah Equiano was one of the most moving African writers before Frederick Douglas. In his piece, The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavas Vassa, the African, Written by Himself, he tells his story. In the beginning of his narrative, this is not necessarily a call to action. Unlike Tecumseh, Equiano is simply writing about his autobiography. Tecumseh was filled with rage in his writings and speeches, but Equiano takes measures to ensure that he doesn't offend his readers.
   "I hope the reader will not think I have trespassed on his patience in introducing myself to him, with some account of the manners and customs of my country. The had been implanted in me with great care, and made an impression on my mind, which time could not erase, and which all the adversity and variety of fortune I have since experienced, served only to rivet and record; whether the love of one's country be real or imaginary, or a lesson of reason, or an instinct of nature, I still look back with pleasure on the first scenes of my life, though  that pleasure has been for the most part mingled with sorrow."
  Olaudah does not press his views on his readers, unlike Tecumseh. He simply states that he was born into a different culture, and it cannot be taken from him or forgotten easily. He does not apologize for it though, and that is one thing that he shares with Tecumseh. They are both proud of their cultures.
   Equiano shows us what it was like to be a slave during this era. He opens a window that we haven't opened yet ourselves in this text book. We are now beginning to read about life in slavery and the struggle that comes with trying to be free. I enjoyed reading Olaudah Equiano's narrative; it felt like I was reading a story (which I was). It is nice to read something that isn't focused on Puritan ways or Native American folklore for once :)