Phillis Wheatley was bought as a house servant by John Wheatley. What was Phillis Wheatley able to do within just 16 months of arriving at the Wheatley home?

Within just 16 months of arriving at the Wheatley home, Phillis was able to read  fluently the Bible. She also gained knowledge about astronomy and geography (both ancient ant modern times). She also learned about ancient history and appreciated literature regarding Latin classics. She was already into writing and could accomplish making verses.

Explanation:

Phillis Wheatly was an African American who was kidnapped and brought to Boston to serve as a slave for the Wheatley's family. Since she served as a personal assistant of John Wheatley's wife, she was then taught to read and write. She became highly educated that later on, she published her own book in 1773.

as for symbolic actions, the narrator's tearing down the wallpaper in an attempt to find the "woman" in the wallpaper represents her struggle to retain or regain her sanity.   the wallpaper has been part of her confinement and by her tearing it down, she is freeing herself from that confinement.