Literary Elements
In what time period is this biography set?
What are paragraphs 9 & 10 mostly about?
how Phillis's past affected her
What kind of figurative language is used in paragraph 15? Why do you think the author used this in the text?
Personification
"Your talent will speak for itself" basically mean everyone would know what type of poet she is, based off her work, not the way she look.
On Page 56, what details does this illustration show about the biography setting?
It shows Phillis walking down the cobblestone street on the way to her examination. It shows people wearing clothing like they would have worn in the distant past.
What do these paragraphs (9&10) tell you about what Phillis think is important?
She thinks that it is important to prove that she is intelligent and talented, regardless of her circumstances
What kind of figurative language is used in paragraph 16? Explain its meaning.
Personification "danced in her head"
She was filled with doubts. She couldn't keep from worrying. Her thoughts were swirling around as if they couldn't be stopped.
How do you think the Wheatley's helped Phillis survive?
Perhaps they gave her warm clothing and blankets. Maybe they let her sit near a warm fire.
What is the theme of paragraphs 9 & 10
Providing oneself and persevering
What type of figurative language does the author uses in paragraph 29? What does it tell you about Phillis performance on her big test?
Idiom
She passed with ease
What characters were identified on Page 56? What potential problem is identified?
Phillis Wheatley & John Wheatley
Printers in colonial Boston could not believe an African-born enslaved girl wrote such wonderful poems.