'To A New England Poet' by Philip Freneau

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Though skilled in Latin and in Greek,
And earning fifty cents a week,
Such knowledge, and the income, too,
Should teach you better what to do:The meanest drudges, kept in pay,Can pocket fifty cents a day.Why stay in such a tasteless land,
Where all must on a level stand,
(Excepting people, at their ease,
Who choose the level where they please:)See Irving gone to Britain's courtTo people of another sort,He will return, with wealth and fame,While Yankees hardly know your name.Lo! he has kissed a Monarch's--hand!
Before a prince I see him stand,
And with the glittering nobles mix,
Forgetting times of seventy-six,
While you with terror meet the frown
Of Bank Directors of the town,The home-made nobles of our times,Who hate the bard, and spurn his rhymes.Why pause?--like Irving, haste away,
To England your addresses pay;
And England will reward you well,Of British feats, and British arms,The maids of honor, and their charms.Dear bard, I pray you, take the hint,
In England what you write and print,
Republished here in shop, or stall,
Will perfectly enchant us all:It will assume a different face,And post your name at every place,From splendid domes of first degreeWhere ladies meet, to sip their tea;From marble halls, where lawyers plead,Or Congress-men talk loud, indeed,To huts, where evening clubs appear,And 'squires resort--to guzzle Beer.

Editor 1 Interpretation

To A New England Poet by Philip Freneau: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Philip Freneau's "To A New England Poet" is a powerful ode to the beauty and wonder of the New England landscape. In this poem, Freneau celebrates the natural world and its ability to inspire poetry, while also critiquing the "artificial" poetry of his contemporaries. Through his use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and evocative language, Freneau creates a vision of New England as a place of untamed beauty and raw power, where poetry can be found in every rock and tree.

Background Information

Philip Freneau was an American poet and journalist who lived from 1752 to 1832. He was born in New York, but spent much of his life in New Jersey and Philadelphia. As a poet, he was known for his passionate and often political verse, which often dealt with themes of freedom, nature, and the American Revolution. In "To A New England Poet," Freneau explores his fascination with the natural world and its ability to inspire poetry.

The Opening Stanza

The poem opens with a powerful stanza that sets the tone for the rest of the work:

Thou, who wouldst woo the Muses' sacred art,
First learn'd in Nature's school to read her page;
Of all the arts that human hands impart,
The fairest is to write one's name in sage.

In these lines, Freneau addresses the "New England Poet" directly, urging him to embrace the natural world as the source of his inspiration. He argues that true poetry comes not from books or formal education, but from a deep understanding of nature and its mysteries. The "Muses' sacred art" that the poet seeks cannot be found in the artificial world of cities and books, but only in the untamed wilderness of New England.

Freneau also makes a bold claim in this stanza, declaring that the "fairest" art of all is to "write one's name in sage." This metaphor suggests that true greatness as a poet comes not from writing about oneself or one's own experiences, but from tapping into the timeless wisdom of nature. By "writing one's name in sage," the poet becomes part of this greater tradition, adding his voice to the chorus of natural beauty and power.

The Natural World as Inspiration

Throughout the poem, Freneau celebrates the beauty and power of the natural world, using vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to evoke the majesty of the New England landscape. In one particularly striking passage, he describes a thunderstorm:

Or hear'st thou in the thunder's voiceful sound
The sound of Nature in her angry mood,
When forests groan and rocks are rent around,
And streams rush down, impatient of the wood?

Here, Freneau describes the thunderstorm not just as a natural phenomenon, but as a manifestation of the power and fury of nature itself. The "voiceful sound" of the thunder is not just noise, but a message from the wild, untamed heart of the natural world. The "angry mood" of nature is not just a passing emotion, but a fundamental aspect of its character.

Freneau's use of vivid imagery is particularly effective in conveying the beauty and power of the natural world. In one memorable passage, he describes the rocks and trees of New England as a kind of natural poetry:

For thee the rocks their hidden stores unfold,
Their mossy sides with richest lichens spread;
For thee the streams in amber waves are roll'd,
And all the charms of rock and forest wed.

Here, Freneau imagines the natural world as a kind of endless library, full of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered by the poet. The "rich lichens" and "amber waves" of the streams are not just beautiful sights, but symbols of the deep wisdom and power of nature itself.

Critiquing Artificial Poetry

Throughout the poem, Freneau also critiques the "artificial" poetry of his contemporaries, which he sees as disconnected from the natural world and lacking in depth and meaning. He argues that true poetry must come from a deep understanding of nature and its mysteries, rather than from mere imitation or formal education.

In one particularly striking passage, he describes the "artificial" poetry of his contemporaries as mere "rhyming jingle":

But what are rhyming jingles, void of thought,
To the rich stores by Nature's bounty brought?
What are the studied periods, smooth and round,
To the wild grandeur of the rocks profound?

Here, Freneau argues that the poetry of his time is shallow and meaningless, lacking in the depth and power of true poetry. The "rhyming jingles" and "studied periods" of his contemporaries are mere imitations of true poetry, lacking in the natural beauty and power that can only be found in the untamed wilderness of New England.

Conclusion

Philip Freneau's "To A New England Poet" is a powerful celebration of the natural world and its ability to inspire poetry. Through his use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and evocative language, Freneau creates a vision of New England as a place of untamed beauty and raw power, where poetry can be found in every rock and tree. At the same time, he critiques the "artificial" poetry of his contemporaries, arguing that true poetry must come from a deep understanding of nature and its mysteries. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of the natural world to inspire and uplift the human spirit, and a call to all poets to embrace the beauty and power of the world around them.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry To A New England Poet: An Ode to the Beauty of Nature

Philip Freneau's "Poetry To A New England Poet" is a classic ode to the beauty of nature. The poem is a celebration of the natural world, and the poet's love for it. Freneau's use of vivid imagery and descriptive language creates a powerful and evocative picture of the New England landscape.

The poem begins with an invocation to the muse of poetry, asking her to inspire the poet to write about the beauty of nature. Freneau then goes on to describe the natural world in all its glory. He describes the "verdant fields" and "flowery meads" that are so characteristic of the New England landscape. He also describes the "crystal streams" and "woody hills" that make up this beautiful region.

Freneau's use of imagery is particularly effective in this poem. He uses vivid descriptions to create a picture of the natural world that is both beautiful and awe-inspiring. For example, he describes the "azure sky" and the "golden sun" that shine down on the landscape, creating a sense of warmth and light. He also describes the "sable clouds" that sometimes gather in the sky, creating a sense of mystery and foreboding.

One of the most striking aspects of this poem is Freneau's use of personification. He gives human qualities to the natural world, making it seem alive and vibrant. For example, he describes the "gentle zephyrs" that blow through the trees, and the "murmuring brooks" that flow through the landscape. These descriptions create a sense of movement and life in the natural world, and make it seem like a living, breathing entity.

Freneau's love for the natural world is evident throughout the poem. He describes the beauty of nature in such detail that it is clear he has spent a great deal of time observing and appreciating it. He also expresses a sense of wonder and awe at the natural world, suggesting that he sees it as something sacred and divine.

The poem also contains a message about the importance of preserving the natural world. Freneau suggests that the beauty of nature is something that should be cherished and protected. He writes, "Oh! may no ruthless hand destroy / The beauteous scenes that give us joy." This message is particularly relevant today, as we face the threat of climate change and environmental degradation.

In conclusion, "Poetry To A New England Poet" is a beautiful and evocative ode to the natural world. Freneau's use of vivid imagery and descriptive language creates a powerful picture of the New England landscape, and his love for nature is evident throughout the poem. The message of the poem is also important, reminding us of the need to cherish and protect the natural world. Overall, this is a classic poem that continues to inspire and delight readers today.

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