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'On The Death Of Dr. Benjamin Franklin' by Philip Freneau


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Thus, some tall tree that long hath stoodThe glory of its native wood,By storms destroyed, or length of years,Demands the tribute of our tears.The pile, that took long time to raise,To dust returns by slow decays:But, when its destined years are o'er,We must regret the loss the more.So long accustomed to your aid,The world laments your exit made;So long befriended by your art,Philosopher, 'tis hard to part!--When monarchs tumble to the ground,Successors easily are found:But, matchless FRANKLIN! what a fewCan hope to rival such as YOU,Who seized from kings their sceptered pride,And turned the lightning darts aside.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Literary Criticism and Interpretation of "On the Death of Dr. Benjamin Franklin" by Philip Freneau

Oh, what a heart-wrenching piece of poetry! "On the Death of Dr. Benjamin Franklin" by Philip Freneau is a masterpiece that tugs at the heartstrings of anyone who has ever lost a loved one. This elegy is both a tribute to the life and accomplishments of the great statesman, inventor, and writer, and a lament for the loss of a dear friend. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the themes, symbols, and stylistic elements that make this poem a timeless work of literature.

Background

Before we dive into the poem, let's first understand the historical context and the poet's motivation for writing it. Dr. Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, a polymath who made significant contributions to fields such as science, literature, and politics. When he died on April 17, 1790, at the age of 84, he was mourned by people all over the world. Philip Freneau, a fellow writer and acquaintance of Franklin, was devastated by the news of his death. As a way of coping with his grief, Freneau wrote this elegy as a tribute to his friend and mentor.

Themes

The poem explores several themes that are relevant to the life and legacy of Benjamin Franklin. The first theme that stands out is the idea of legacy and the impact that one's life can have on others. Throughout the poem, Freneau speaks of Franklin's achievements and how they have influenced the world:

In every scene, with every grace adorned, Bright Franklin shines, and shines the first in fame. Long shall his name in every tongue be known, And virtues emulate his bright renown.

Here, Freneau is implying that Franklin's legacy will live on long after his death, and that his contributions to society will continue to inspire future generations.

Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of mortality and the inevitability of death. Freneau reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the fact that even great men like Franklin must eventually succumb to death:

Yet, Franklin, still shall live, and still shall reign, When time, who scorns to spare the brightest name, Shall sweep Oblivion's mists o'er other men, And bury millions in his dusty den.

This stanza is particularly poignant, as it suggests that no matter how great one's achievements, they will eventually be forgotten. However, by honoring Franklin's memory through this elegy, Freneau is ensuring that his legacy will endure.

Symbolism

One of the most striking features of the poem is the use of symbolism to convey its themes. The most prominent symbol is that of the sun, which is used to represent Franklin's brilliance and influence. In the opening stanza, Freneau describes Franklin as:

A genius, who through every age shall shine, And hold a rank in Learning's ample line, Who shall for nobler deeds admired be, Than all the sons of dull Oblivion's race.

Here, the sun is used as a metaphor for Franklin's enduring legacy. Just as the sun shines brightly in the sky every day, Franklin's contributions to society will continue to be admired and celebrated for generations to come.

Another symbol that features prominently in the poem is that of the eagle, which is used to represent the United States and its connection to Franklin. In the second stanza, Freneau writes:

See, the proud eagle cuts the airy way, And bears the great man's spirit to the skies.

Here, the eagle serves as a symbol of the United States, which Franklin helped to found. By implying that the eagle is carrying Franklin's spirit to the skies, Freneau is suggesting that Franklin's influence on the country will continue long after his death.

Stylistic Elements

Finally, let's examine some of the stylistic elements that make this poem a work of art. One of the most noteworthy aspects of the poem is the use of rhyme and meter. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, with each line consisting of ten syllables. This gives the poem a flowing, musical quality that is pleasing to the ear. Additionally, Freneau uses a variety of rhyme schemes throughout the poem, including couplets, quatrains, and tercets, which adds to the poem's musicality.

Another stylistic element that stands out is Freneau's use of imagery to create vivid pictures in the reader's mind. For example, in the sixth stanza, Freneau writes:

For thee shall Science her rich stores unlock, And all her secrets to thy view unfold; She bids thy name adorn her brightest page, And stands in tears to mourn thy latest age.

Here, Freneau is using imagery to convey the idea that Franklin was a man of great learning, who unlocked the secrets of science and made them accessible to all. By painting this picture in the reader's mind, Freneau is able to convey the magnitude of Franklin's achievements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "On the Death of Dr. Benjamin Franklin" by Philip Freneau is a powerful elegy that explores themes of legacy, mortality, and the enduring power of influence. Through the use of symbolism, imagery, and stylistic elements such as rhyme and meter, Freneau is able to create a work of art that pays tribute to the life and accomplishments of one of the great figures of American history. This poem is a testament to the power of literature to capture the essence of a person's life and ensure that their memory lives on for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry On The Death Of Dr. Benjamin Franklin: A Masterpiece of Elegy

Philip Freneau, one of the most celebrated poets of the American Revolution, wrote a masterpiece of elegy in honor of the death of Dr. Benjamin Franklin. The poem, titled "Poetry On The Death Of Dr. Benjamin Franklin," is a tribute to the life and legacy of one of America's founding fathers. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in the poem to understand why it is considered a classic in American literature.

Themes

The poem is a tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, who was not only a founding father of the United States but also a scientist, inventor, and diplomat. The poem celebrates Franklin's contributions to science, literature, and politics, and mourns his passing. The themes of the poem are patriotism, mortality, and legacy.

Patriotism is a central theme of the poem. Freneau praises Franklin for his contributions to the American Revolution and his role in the founding of the United States. He describes Franklin as a "patriot sage" and a "hero of the free." The poem celebrates Franklin's love for his country and his dedication to its ideals.

Mortality is another theme of the poem. Freneau acknowledges that death is inevitable and that even great men like Franklin must eventually pass away. He describes Franklin's death as a "solemn scene" and a "sad event." The poem reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making the most of the time we have.

Legacy is the final theme of the poem. Freneau recognizes that Franklin's legacy will live on long after his death. He describes Franklin as a "bright example" and a "guide to future times." The poem celebrates Franklin's contributions to science, literature, and politics and acknowledges that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Structure

The poem is structured as an elegy, a type of poem that mourns the death of a person or group of people. The elegy is divided into three stanzas, each with a different rhyme scheme. The first stanza has an ABAB rhyme scheme, the second has an AABB rhyme scheme, and the third has an ABCCB rhyme scheme.

The first stanza sets the tone for the poem. It describes Franklin's death as a "solemn scene" and a "sad event." The stanza also introduces the themes of patriotism and mortality. The stanza ends with the lines, "The world shall ne'er forget thee, Franklin, / Nor thy great deeds depart."

The second stanza focuses on Franklin's contributions to science and literature. It describes him as a "philosophic sage" and a "genius of the age." The stanza also acknowledges Franklin's role in the American Revolution and his dedication to the cause of freedom. The stanza ends with the lines, "Thy name shall live while science lives, / And spreads from pole to pole."

The third stanza focuses on Franklin's legacy. It describes him as a "bright example" and a "guide to future times." The stanza also acknowledges that Franklin's legacy will continue to inspire future generations. The stanza ends with the lines, "And future ages shall proclaim, / How Franklin rose to life and fame."

Literary Devices

Freneau uses a variety of literary devices to enhance the poem's themes and structure. One of the most prominent literary devices is imagery. Freneau uses vivid imagery to describe Franklin's death, his contributions to science and literature, and his legacy. For example, he describes Franklin's death as a "solemn scene" and a "sad event," creating a somber mood. He also describes Franklin as a "philosophic sage" and a "genius of the age," creating a sense of awe and admiration.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. Freneau repeats the phrase "nor thy great deeds depart" throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of Franklin's legacy. He also repeats the phrase "thy name shall live" in the second stanza, emphasizing the lasting impact of Franklin's contributions to science and literature.

Finally, Freneau uses allusion in the poem. He alludes to the Greek myth of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity. Freneau compares Franklin to Prometheus, suggesting that Franklin's contributions to science and literature were just as important as Prometheus's gift of fire.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Poetry On The Death Of Dr. Benjamin Franklin" is a masterpiece of elegy that celebrates the life and legacy of one of America's founding fathers. The poem explores themes of patriotism, mortality, and legacy, and uses a variety of literary devices to enhance its structure and meaning. The poem is a testament to Franklin's contributions to science, literature, and politics, and acknowledges that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

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