Analyzing Phyllis Wheatley's On Being Brought From Africa To America Using TPCASTT And Identifying Tone Shifts

Introduction

In this article, we will delve into Phyllis Wheatley's poignant poem, "On Being Brought from Africa to America," using the TPCASTT method of poetry analysis. This method helps us to dissect the poem's various layers, from its literal meaning to its thematic complexities. Our primary focus will be on identifying shifts in tone within the poem, and we will specifically examine the lines where these shifts occur. By meticulously analyzing the poem's title, paraphrase, connotations, attitude, shifts, title (revisited), and theme, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of Wheatley's message and the historical context in which it was written. This exploration will not only enhance our comprehension of the poem itself but also provide insights into the experiences and perspectives of enslaved Africans in 18th-century America. Through a close reading of the text, we can appreciate Wheatley's skillful use of language and her ability to convey complex emotions and ideas within the confines of a relatively short poem.

TPCASTT Method: A Framework for Poetic Analysis

Before diving into the analysis of "On Being Brought from Africa to America," it's essential to understand the TPCASTT method. TPCASTT is an acronym that stands for Title, Paraphrase, Connotation, Attitude, Shifts, Title (revisited), and Theme. It's a structured approach to analyzing poetry that encourages readers to engage with the text on multiple levels. First, we consider the title and make initial predictions about the poem's subject matter. Next, we paraphrase the poem, putting it into our own words to ensure we understand the literal meaning. The connotation stage involves exploring the emotional associations and deeper meanings of the words and phrases used. Attitude refers to the speaker's tone and perspective, which can evolve throughout the poem. Shifts are changes in tone, subject, or speaker, which often reveal crucial turning points in the poem's meaning. The title is then revisited to see if our understanding has changed based on our analysis. Finally, we identify the overarching theme of the poem, the central message or idea that Wheatley is trying to convey. By applying this method, we can unpack the nuances of Wheatley's work and appreciate its artistic and historical significance.

T: Title

The title, "On Being Brought from Africa to America," immediately sets the stage for a narrative about displacement and cultural transition. The preposition "On" suggests a reflective piece, an introspective exploration of the speaker's experience. The phrase "Being Brought" implies a lack of agency, highlighting the forced nature of the speaker's journey from Africa to America. This initial reading of the title hints at themes of enslavement, cultural shock, and the struggle for identity. It primes the reader to consider the emotional and psychological impact of this forced migration on the speaker. The stark contrast between "Africa" and "America" further emphasizes the profound geographical and cultural divide that the speaker has traversed. Before even reading the first line, the title invites us to contemplate the complex emotions and experiences that Wheatley might be exploring in her poem. The deliberate choice of words in the title is the first clue to Wheatley's artistic skill and her intention to engage the reader in a thoughtful consideration of the speaker's plight.

P: Paraphrase

To effectively paraphrase the poem, we must break it down line by line and translate it into contemporary language. The first four lines state that the speaker was brought from Africa to America and that this experience was seen as a benefit. The speaker acknowledges the perception that her "pagan" background was a source of ignorance. Lines five through eight address the racial prejudice faced by the speaker, noting that some view her race with disdain, seeing it as a "diabolic die." However, the speaker urges Christians to remember that both Africans and white people can be redeemed and find salvation in heaven. This paraphrase reveals the poem's central themes of forced migration, religious conversion, and racial prejudice. It also highlights the speaker's complex perspective, acknowledging both the perceived benefits of her displacement and the harsh realities of racial discrimination. By putting the poem into our own words, we gain a clearer understanding of its literal meaning, which forms the foundation for further analysis.

C: Connotation

Exploring the connotation of the poem involves delving into the emotional and cultural associations of the words Wheatley uses. For instance, the term "Pagan land" carries a negative connotation, reflecting the Christian view of African religions as uncivilized or heathen. However, the speaker's use of the phrase is nuanced, acknowledging this perception while also subtly challenging it. The phrase "sable race" is a euphemism for black people, and the term "sable" evokes images of darkness and richness, perhaps hinting at the speaker's pride in her African heritage. The metaphor of skin color as a "diabolic die" is particularly striking, conveying the deep-seated prejudice of the time. However, the speaker's use of religious language, such as "Christian," "Savior," and "refin'd," suggests a belief in the universality of Christian salvation, regardless of race. By examining these connotations, we can see how Wheatley uses language to navigate complex issues of race, religion, and identity, revealing the deeper layers of meaning within the poem.

A: Attitude

The attitude, or tone, of the poem is complex and multifaceted. Initially, there is a tone of gratitude, as the speaker acknowledges being brought from Africa to America. This gratitude, however, is tempered by an underlying sense of irony, as the speaker recognizes the forced nature of her displacement. There is also a tone of mild defensiveness, as the speaker addresses the negative perceptions of her race. However, the predominant tone is one of hopeful assertion. The speaker asserts her right to salvation and challenges the racial prejudice of her time. The shift in tone throughout the poem is subtle but significant, moving from a sense of gratitude and acknowledgement to a firm declaration of equality and spiritual worth. This nuanced attitude reveals Wheatley's skillful handling of complex emotions and her ability to convey a powerful message within the constraints of the poetic form.

S: Shifts

The most significant shift in the poem's tone occurs at line 8. Up until this point, the speaker has been recounting her experience and acknowledging the negative perceptions associated with her race and background. However, in line 8, the tone shifts from acknowledgement and mild defensiveness to a direct and assertive challenge to the reader: "Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain, / May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train." This shift marks a turning point in the poem, where the speaker moves from passively describing her experience to actively asserting her equality and spiritual worth. The use of the imperative "Remember" commands the reader's attention, and the explicit mention of "Negroes, black as Cain" directly confronts the racial prejudice of the time. This shift in tone is crucial to understanding the poem's message, as it reveals Wheatley's determination to challenge racial stereotypes and claim her place within the Christian community. The shift in line 8 is the emotional and intellectual climax of the poem, solidifying its powerful message of equality and redemption.

T: Title (Revisited)

After analyzing the poem, revisiting the title provides a richer understanding of its significance. "On Being Brought from Africa to America" now seems less like a simple statement of fact and more like an ironic commentary on the circumstances of the speaker's life. The word "Brought" emphasizes the lack of agency in the speaker's journey, while the contrast between "Africa" and "America" highlights the cultural and racial divide that she has had to navigate. The title, in retrospect, encapsulates the poem's central themes of displacement, identity, and the struggle for equality. It serves as a concise summary of the speaker's experience and the complex emotions she expresses throughout the poem. The title's simplicity belies the depth of the poem's message, and revisiting it after analysis reveals its subtle power and thematic resonance.

T: Theme

The overarching theme of "On Being Brought from Africa to America" is the universality of salvation and the inherent equality of all people, regardless of race or origin. Wheatley challenges the racial prejudices of her time by asserting that both Africans and white people can achieve spiritual refinement and join the "angelic train." The poem also explores the complex relationship between slavery, Christianity, and personal identity. Wheatley acknowledges the perceived benefits of her displacement from Africa, as it led to her conversion to Christianity. However, she also implicitly critiques the institution of slavery by highlighting the inherent contradiction between Christian values and the dehumanization of enslaved people. The poem's themes resonate deeply with the historical context in which it was written, a time of both religious fervor and widespread racial discrimination. Wheatley's poem serves as a powerful testament to the enduring human spirit and the quest for equality and spiritual fulfillment.

Conclusion

Through a careful application of the TPCASTT method, we have gained a deeper appreciation for the complexities of "On Being Brought from Africa to America." Phyllis Wheatley's poem is a powerful exploration of displacement, identity, and the struggle for equality in the face of racial prejudice. The shift in tone at line 8 is particularly significant, marking a transition from acknowledgement to assertive challenge. By examining the poem's title, paraphrase, connotations, attitude, shifts, and theme, we can see how Wheatley skillfully uses language to convey her message and engage with the social and religious issues of her time. This analysis not only enhances our understanding of the poem itself but also provides valuable insights into the experiences and perspectives of enslaved Africans in 18th-century America. Wheatley's voice, though constrained by the circumstances of her life, resonates powerfully across centuries, reminding us of the enduring human desire for freedom, equality, and spiritual fulfillment.