'On The Death Of Dr. Benjamin Franklin' by Philip Freneau
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Thus, some tall tree that long hath stood
The 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 few
Can hope to rival such as YOU,
Who seized from kings their sceptered pride,
And turned the lightning darts aside.
Editor 1 Interpretation
On The Death Of Dr. Benjamin Franklin: A Masterpiece of Eulogy
When we talk about eulogies, Philip Freneau's 'On The Death Of Dr. Benjamin Franklin' is one of the best examples that come to mind. It is a beautiful tribute to one of the most iconic figures of the American Revolution who breathed his last on April 17, 1790. Philip Freneau, the poet and the patriot, was deeply affected by the death of Franklin, and his elegy reflects the pain and the admiration he felt for the man who had achieved so much in his lifetime.
The Use of Language
Freneau's language is simple and direct, but it is also powerful and poetic. He uses words that are easy to understand, but they also carry a lot of emotional weight. For example, he describes Franklin as "the sage of every clime," which is a beautiful way of saying that Franklin's wisdom was universal. He also calls him "the Friend of Humankind," which is a testament to Franklin's commitment to helping others.
Freneau's use of imagery is also impressive. He compares Franklin to the sun, saying that "The sun, that sets at his command / And leaves the world in darkness, stands / At his appearance, and unfolds / Each flower, and brightens up the fields." This is a beautiful way of saying that Franklin's influence was far-reaching and that he brought light and life to the world.
The Theme of Death
Death is a recurring theme in Freneau's elegy. He describes Franklin's death as a "stern decree," and he speaks of the "awful hour" that took Franklin away from us. It's clear that Freneau is grappling with the idea of mortality and the fact that even the greatest among us must eventually die.
But Freneau doesn't dwell on the sadness of death. Instead, he celebrates Franklin's life and his accomplishments. He speaks of Franklin's "glorious years" and his "well-spent life," and he reminds us that Franklin's legacy will live on long after his death.
The Importance of Franklin's Achievements
One of the most striking things about Freneau's elegy is the way he highlights Franklin's achievements. He speaks of Franklin's discovery of electricity and his groundbreaking work in science and technology. He also talks about Franklin's role as a diplomat and his contributions to the American Revolution.
But perhaps most importantly, Freneau emphasizes Franklin's commitment to the common good. He describes Franklin as a man who "made the welfare of mankind his care" and who worked tirelessly to make the world a better place. This is a powerful reminder that even the greatest achievements are only meaningful if they are used to help others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Philip Freneau's 'On The Death Of Dr. Benjamin Franklin' is a beautiful tribute to one of America's greatest heroes. Freneau's language is powerful and poetic, and his use of imagery is impressive. He grapples with the theme of death but chooses to celebrate Franklin's life and his accomplishments. And perhaps most importantly, he reminds us of the importance of using our talents and achievements to help others. This elegy is a masterpiece of eulogy and a testament to the enduring legacy of Benjamin Franklin.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
On The Death Of Dr. Benjamin Franklin: A Poetic Tribute to a Founding Father
Philip Freneau's "On The Death Of Dr. Benjamin Franklin" is a classic poem that pays tribute to one of America's most celebrated founding fathers. The poem is a poignant reflection on the life and legacy of Benjamin Franklin, who was not only a statesman and diplomat but also a scientist, inventor, and writer. In this article, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in the poem to understand its significance and enduring appeal.
Themes
The poem's central theme is the celebration of Benjamin Franklin's life and achievements. Freneau's admiration for Franklin is evident in the way he describes him as "the sage of science" and "the friend of man." The poem is a eulogy that praises Franklin's contributions to science, literature, and politics. It is also a reflection on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. Freneau acknowledges that even great men like Franklin must eventually succumb to mortality, but their legacies live on.
Structure
The poem is structured in four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a simple and straightforward structure. The simplicity of the structure is intentional, as it allows the reader to focus on the content of the poem rather than the form. The poem's brevity also adds to its impact, as it captures the essence of Franklin's life and legacy in just sixteen lines.
Literary Devices
Freneau uses several literary devices to convey his message and create a sense of reverence for Franklin. One of the most prominent devices is imagery. Freneau uses vivid imagery to describe Franklin's accomplishments and character. For example, he describes Franklin as "the sage of science" and "the friend of man," which creates a mental image of a wise and benevolent figure. He also uses imagery to describe Franklin's inventions, such as the lightning rod and the printing press, which adds to his reputation as a brilliant inventor.
Another literary device used in the poem is allusion. Freneau alludes to several historical and mythological figures to emphasize Franklin's greatness. For example, he compares Franklin to Prometheus, the Greek god who brought fire to humanity. This comparison highlights Franklin's role as a bringer of knowledge and enlightenment. Freneau also alludes to Newton, the famous scientist, to emphasize Franklin's contributions to science.
The poem also uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and emphasis. The phrase "He taught us how to live; and, oh! too high / A price for knowledge, taught us how to die" is repeated twice in the poem, which emphasizes the importance of Franklin's teachings and the high cost of his wisdom.
Analysis
The poem's enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the essence of Benjamin Franklin's life and legacy in just sixteen lines. Freneau's admiration for Franklin is evident in the way he describes him as a sage, friend, and inventor. The poem celebrates Franklin's contributions to science, literature, and politics, and acknowledges his role as a bringer of knowledge and enlightenment.
The poem also reflects on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. Freneau acknowledges that even great men like Franklin must eventually succumb to mortality, but their legacies live on. The poem's brevity and simplicity add to its impact, as it captures the essence of Franklin's life and legacy in a concise and memorable way.
Conclusion
Philip Freneau's "On The Death Of Dr. Benjamin Franklin" is a classic poem that pays tribute to one of America's most celebrated founding fathers. The poem celebrates Franklin's contributions to science, literature, and politics, and acknowledges his role as a bringer of knowledge and enlightenment. The poem's enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the essence of Franklin's life and legacy in just sixteen lines. It is a poignant reflection on the transience of life and the inevitability of death, and a reminder that even great men must eventually succumb to mortality.
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