Reading guide for Phillis Wheatley, Sojourner Truth, and Harriet Jacobs

Word process your responses.

1. In the Introduction to the period 1700-1820, read and reflect on the sections entitled “An

Expanding World and Universe” and “Enlightenment Ideals.”

2. Read and reflect on the introductory notes about Phillis Wheatley.

3. Read “On Being Brought from Africa to America.”

4. Define benighted and explain its various connotations in the poem.

5. What is the rhyme scheme? The metrical pattern?

6. What is the gist of the poem?

7. Read and reflect on the introductory notes about Sojourner Truth.

8. Read “Speech…” and explain these images: The pint and the quart; and man between the

hawk and the buzzard.

9. How does Truth support her quest for women’s rights? What rhetorical strategy is this?

10. Read and reflect on the introductory notes about Harriet Jacobs, and read “From Incidents in

the Life of a Slave Girl.

11. A belief system is a set of values and ideals that guide the individual’s behavior and

decision making. Create a chart that illustrates how these three women differ on at least

three important issues that make up a belief system. For example: How does they differ in

their attitudes toward God?