Twas mercy.
-- Speaker (Line 1)

Importance: In this quote, the speaker states that her removal from Africa and journey to America was an act of mercy because it allowed her to be exposed to Christian ideals. This is one of the most contentious lines in the interpretation of the poem, as it challenges what we know about the brutality of the journey enslaved people were forced to endure. It can perhaps be read ironically, or it may require readers to challenge the idea that all enslaved people felt the same way about their experiences.

My pagan land.
-- Speaker (Line 1)

Importance: In this line, the speaker refers to Africa as her "pagan land" (1). This seems to be a dismissal of its importance, as she is grateful to have become a Christian and to have left the practices of paganism behind. However, it is notable that she states that this land was hers, while not speaking of her new...