Questions: Using TPCASTT, analyze Phyllis Wheatley's "On Being Brought from Africa to America." What literary device is used in line 5 of the poem? simile 'Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land, Taught my benighted soul to understand allusion That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too: Once I redemption neither sought nor knew. Some view our sable race with scornful eye, alliteration "Their colour is a diabolic die." Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain, May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train.

The answer is allusion.

Title: "On Being Brought from Africa to America"

• The title suggests a personal reflection on the experience of being transported from Africa to America, likely as a slave.

Paraphrase:

• The speaker expresses that it was divine mercy that brought her from her "Pagan land" (Africa) to America.
• She learned about God and salvation, which she was previously unaware of.
• The speaker acknowledges that some people view her race with disdain, considering their color as evil.
• She reminds Christians that black people, like Cain, can also be refined and join the heavenly ranks.

Connotation:

• The poem uses various literary devices to convey its message. For instance, "mercy" and "benighted soul" suggest a spiritual awakening.
• The phrase "sable race" uses a metaphor to describe the black race.
• The line "Their colour is a diabolic die" employs alliteration and conveys the prejudice faced by black people.
• The reference to "Cain" is an allusion to the biblical figure, suggesting that black people, despite being scorned, can achieve redemption.

Attitude/Tone:

• The tone is reflective and didactic. Wheatley reflects on her own experience and uses it to teach a moral lesson about equality and redemption.

Shift:

• The shift occurs between the personal reflection on her own experience and the broader commentary on racial prejudice and the potential for redemption.

Title (Revisited):

• Upon revisiting the title, it becomes clear that the poem is not just about the physical journey from Africa to America but also about a spiritual and moral journey.

Theme:

• The central theme is the possibility of redemption and equality for all people, regardless of race.

Line 5: "Some view our sable race with scornful eye,"

• The literary device used in this line is alliteration. The repetition of the 's' sound in "sable" and "scornful" creates a rhythmic effect and emphasizes the disdainful view some people have towards the black race.