9. A student is studying the life and work of the poet Phillis Wheatley, who lived during the American Revolution. Which of the following is an example of a secondary source that might be consulted for the study?
Answer: D
A biography of Wheatley written in the nineteenth century
A biography of Wheatley written in the nineteenth century serves as a secondary source because it interprets and analyzes Wheatley's life and work from a historical perspective after the events occurred.
A) A diary kept by a close friend of Wheatley's
A diary kept by a close friend of Wheatley's would be considered a primary source. It provides firsthand accounts and personal reflections directly related to Wheatley, rather than an analysis or interpretation of her life.
B) The United States Declaration of Independence
The United States Declaration of Independence is also a primary source, as it is a document produced during the time of the American Revolution that reflects the historical context in which Wheatley lived. It does not specifically pertain to Wheatley herself.
C) A poem Wheatley wrote about George Washington
A poem written by Wheatley about George Washington is another primary source. It is an original work by Wheatley that provides direct insight into her views and literary style, rather than a retrospective analysis of her contributions.
D) A biography of Wheatley written in the nineteenth century
This option is the correct answer as it is a secondary source that offers an interpretation of Wheatley's life and work, written after her time. It summarizes her contributions and contextualizes them within the broader historical narrative.
Conclusion
The biography of Wheatley written in the nineteenth century is the only option that qualifies as a secondary source, as it evaluates and recounts her life from a historical perspective. All other options represent primary sources that provide direct evidence or accounts related to Wheatley, failing to meet the criteria for secondary sources.