'On The Death Of A Young Lady Of Five Years Of Age' by Phillis Wheatly


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FROM dark abodes to fair etherial light
Th' enraptur'd innocent has wing'd her flight;
On the kind bosom of eternal love
She finds unknown beatitude above.
This known, ye parents, nor her loss deplore,
She feels the iron hand of pain no more;
The dispensations of unerring grace,
Should turn your sorrows into grateful praise;
Let then no tears for her henceforward flow,
No more distress'd in our dark vale below,
Her morning sun, which rose divinely bright,
Was quickly mantled with the gloom of night;
But hear in heav'n's blest bow'rs your Nancy fair,
And learn to imitate her language there.
"Thou, Lord, whom I behold with glory crown'd,
"By what sweet name, and in what tuneful sound
"Wilt thou be prais'd?Seraphic pow'rs are faint
"Infinite love and majesty to paint.
"To thee let all their graceful voices raise,
"And saints and angels join their songs of praise."
Perfect in bliss she from her heav'nly home
Looks down, and smiling beckons you to come;
Why then, fond parents, why these fruitless groans?
Restrain your tears, and cease your plaintive moans.
Freed from a world of sin, and snares, and pain,
Why would you wish your daughter back again?
No--bow resign'd.Let hope your grief control,
And check the rising tumult of the soul.
Calm in the prosperous, and adverse day,
Adore the God who gives and takes away;
Eye him in all, his holy name revere,
Upright your actions, and your hearts sincere,
Till having sail'd through life's tempestuous sea,
And from its rocks, and boist'rous billows free,
Yourselves, safe landed on the blissful shore,
Shall join your happy babe to part no more.


Editor 1 Interpretation

On The Death Of A Young Lady Of Five Years Of Age by Phillis Wheatley: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Introduction

"On The Death Of A Young Lady Of Five Years Of Age" is a heart-wrenching poem written by Phillis Wheatley. It's a tribute to a young girl who died at a very young age, leaving behind her family and friends. The poem is a perfect example of Wheatley's mastery of the English language, as she elegantly expresses her sorrow and grief through her poetic verses. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the poem's themes, structure, and language usage, to gain a better understanding of its meaning and significance.

Themes

The primary theme of the poem is death and mourning. It's evident from the very first line, where Wheatley mourns the young girl's untimely death. She tries to come to grips with her sorrow and the pain of losing someone so young. The poem is also a tribute to the young girl's life and legacy. Wheatley honors her memory by immortalizing her through her poetic verses.

Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the fragility of life. The young girl's death serves as a reminder of how fragile life can be, and how we should cherish every moment that we have with our loved ones. Wheatley also touches upon the theme of inevitability, as she accepts that death is a part of life and something that we cannot escape.

Structure

The poem is structured in three stanzas, each comprising of six lines. The rhyme scheme is AABBCC, which gives the poem a sense of flow and unity. The structure is simple yet effective, as it allows Wheatley to convey her message in a clear and concise manner.

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Wheatley mourns the young girl's death and expresses her sorrow. The second stanza is a reflection on the young girl's life and legacy, where Wheatley celebrates her innocence and purity. The third stanza is a call to action, where Wheatley urges the reader to cherish every moment with their loved ones and to remember the young girl's legacy.

Language Usage

Wheatley's language usage is simple yet powerful. She uses metaphors and imagery to convey her message, making the poem relatable to anyone who has experienced loss. For example, in the first line, she describes the young girl as a "flower," which is a common metaphor for life and beauty. She then goes on to describe the young girl's death as a "blight," which is a metaphor for something that destroys or kills.

Wheatley also uses personification to bring the poem to life. In the second stanza, she personifies the young girl's "virtue," which is a reflection of her innocence and purity. This personification adds depth to the poem, as it allows the reader to connect with the young girl's character on a more personal level.

Conclusion

"On The Death Of A Young Lady Of Five Years Of Age" is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the themes of death, mourning, and the fragility of life. Wheatley's language usage is simple yet effective, as she uses metaphors, imagery, and personification to convey her message. The poem's structure is also well-crafted, allowing Wheatley to deliver her message in a clear and concise manner.

Overall, the poem is a testament to Wheatley's skill as a poet and her ability to convey complex emotions through her writing. It's a timeless tribute to a young girl whose memory lives on through Wheatley's poetic words.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry On The Death Of A Young Lady Of Five Years Of Age by Phillis Wheatley is a heart-wrenching elegy that captures the essence of loss and grief. The poem is a tribute to a young girl who passed away at the tender age of five. Wheatley, a former slave, was a prolific poet who used her writing to express her thoughts and emotions on various subjects, including death.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a distinct theme. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with Wheatley expressing her sorrow at the loss of the young girl. She describes the girl as "lovely, innocent, and young," highlighting the tragedy of her untimely death. The use of the word "innocent" is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the girl was taken before she had a chance to experience the harsh realities of life.

In the second stanza, Wheatley reflects on the girl's life and the impact she had on those around her. She describes the girl as a "flower" that was "plucked in her early bloom." This metaphor emphasizes the idea that the girl's life was cut short before she had a chance to fully blossom. Wheatley also speaks of the girl's "angelic mind," suggesting that she was a pure and virtuous soul. The use of the word "angelic" is significant, as it implies that the girl has gone to a better place.

The final stanza is perhaps the most powerful, as Wheatley addresses the girl directly. She tells the girl that she is now in a better place, free from the pain and suffering of this world. She also reminds the girl that she will never be forgotten, and that her memory will live on forever. The final lines of the poem are particularly moving, as Wheatley writes, "Thy image falls upon my view, / Less forcible, but not less true." This suggests that while the girl may no longer be physically present, her memory and impact will continue to be felt.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is Wheatley's use of language. She employs a range of poetic devices, including metaphors, alliteration, and personification, to convey her emotions and ideas. For example, in the first stanza, she uses alliteration to emphasize the tragedy of the girl's death, writing, "Ah! cruel Death! that snatch'd the beauteous child." The repetition of the "c" sound in "cruel" and "child" creates a sense of harshness and brutality.

Wheatley also uses personification to give voice to her grief. In the second stanza, she writes, "The morning flowers display their sweets, / And gay their silken leaves unfold, / As careless of the noon-day heats, / And fearless of the evening cold." Here, she personifies the flowers, suggesting that they are oblivious to the pain and suffering of the world. This contrast with the girl's death highlights the tragedy of her loss.

Overall, Poetry On The Death Of A Young Lady Of Five Years Of Age is a powerful and moving elegy that captures the essence of loss and grief. Wheatley's use of language and poetic devices is masterful, and her ability to convey complex emotions in a few short stanzas is truly remarkable. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry, and a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, beauty and hope can still be found.

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