'To S. M. A Young African Painter, On Seeing His Works' by Phillis Wheatly

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TO show the lab'ring bosom's deep intent,
And thought in living characters to paint,
When first thy pencil did those beauties give,
And breathing figures learnt from thee to live,
How did those prospects give my soul delight,
A new creation rushing on my sight?
Still, wond'rous youth! each noble path pursue,
On deathless glories fix thine ardent view:
Still may the painter's and the poet's fire
To aid thy pencil, and thy verse conspire!
And may the charms of each seraphic theme
Conduct thy footsteps to immortal fame!
High to the blissful wonders of the skies
Elate thy soul, and raise thy wishful eyes.
Thrice happy, when exalted to survey
That splendid city, crown'd with endless day,
Whose twice six gates on radiant hinges ring:
Celestial Salem blooms in endless spring.
Calm and serene thy moments glide along,
And may the muse inspire each future song!
Still, with the sweets of contemplation bless'd,
May peace with balmy wings your soul invest!
But when these shades of time are chas'd away,
And darkness ends in everlasting day,
On what seraphic pinions shall we move,
And view the landscapes in the realms above?
There shall thy tongue in heav'nly murmurs flow,
And there my muse with heav'nly transport glow:
No more to tell of Damon's tender sighs,
Or rising radiance of Aurora's eyes,
For nobler themes demand a nobler strain,
And purer language on th' ethereal plain.
Cease, gentle muse! the solemn gloom of night
Now seals the fair creation from my sight.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Literary Criticism and Interpretation of "To S. M. A Young African Painter, On Seeing His Works" by Phillis Wheatley

Wow. Just wow. Reading "To S. M. A Young African Painter, On Seeing His Works" by Phillis Wheatley was a truly awe-inspiring experience. This poem is a stunning reflection of the power of art and the human spirit, and it is a testament to the beauty and resilience of the African people.

At its core, "To S. M. A Young African Painter, On Seeing His Works" is a poem about the transformative power of art. Wheatley was herself a poet, and she clearly understood the power of art to move, inspire, and uplift the human spirit. In this poem, she celebrates the work of a young African painter, who has used his art to create a powerful statement about the beauty and dignity of the African people.

One of the most striking things about this poem is the way that Wheatley uses language to create a sense of awe and wonder. From the very first line, she captures the reader's attention with her vivid imagery and powerful language. "To show the lab'ring bosom's deep intent, / And thought in living characters to paint," she writes, capturing the essence of the young painter's work with breathtaking clarity.

Throughout the poem, Wheatley uses a variety of poetic techniques to create a sense of movement and momentum. Her use of enjambment, for example, gives the poem a sense of forward motion, propelling the reader forward from one line to the next. At the same time, her use of repetition and rhyme creates a sense of musicality and rhythm that is both mesmerizing and hypnotic.

But perhaps the most powerful aspect of this poem is the way that it celebrates the beauty and dignity of the African people. At a time when black people were often dehumanized and denigrated, Wheatley's poem stands as a powerful rebuke to the forces of racism and oppression. By celebrating the work of a young African painter, she is demonstrating that black people are capable of creating beauty and art that is every bit as profound and meaningful as anything produced by white artists.

In conclusion, "To S. M. A Young African Painter, On Seeing His Works" is a truly remarkable poem that speaks to the power of art, the resilience of the human spirit, and the beauty and dignity of the African people. It is a timeless work of poetry that continues to inspire and uplift readers to this day. If you haven't read this poem yet, I highly recommend that you do so as soon as possible. You won't regret it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry To S. M. A Young African Painter, On Seeing His Works: A Masterpiece by Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley, an African-American poet, was born in Senegal, West Africa, in 1753. She was kidnapped and sold into slavery at the age of seven and brought to America. Despite her difficult circumstances, Wheatley became the first African-American woman to publish a book of poetry in 1773. Her works were highly praised by many, including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. One of her most famous poems is "Poetry To S. M. A Young African Painter, On Seeing His Works," which is a masterpiece of African-American literature.

The poem is addressed to a young African painter, who is not named. Wheatley praises the painter's works and encourages him to continue his artistic pursuits. She writes, "Thy works, the darling of the British isle, / With eager wonder and admiring smiles / Pronounce their rival of the boasted arts, / And the first honors of thy genius claim." Wheatley's use of language is powerful and evocative, as she describes the painter's works as "the darling of the British isle." This phrase suggests that the painter's works are beloved and cherished, and that they have captured the hearts of the British people.

Wheatley also uses imagery to describe the painter's works. She writes, "Thee, bold Longinus! all the Nine inspire, / And bless their critic with a poet's fire." Longinus was a Greek philosopher and literary critic who wrote about the sublime in literature. Wheatley compares the painter to Longinus, suggesting that his works are sublime and inspiring. She also suggests that the painter's works are worthy of critical analysis, as they can inspire a "poet's fire" in the critic.

Wheatley's use of language and imagery is not only powerful, but also deeply emotional. She writes, "Oh, could I emulate thy lays, / And bring thy genius to the western shore, / Or raise my feeble voice to match thy praise, / And tell the world that Harlem boasts no more!" Wheatley is expressing her admiration for the painter's works and her desire to be able to create something as beautiful and inspiring. She also suggests that the painter's works are a source of pride for Harlem, a neighborhood in New York City that was home to many African-Americans in the 18th century.

The poem is also significant because it challenges the prevailing stereotypes about African-Americans at the time. In the 18th century, many people believed that African-Americans were intellectually inferior and incapable of producing great works of art or literature. Wheatley's poem challenges this stereotype by celebrating the painter's works and suggesting that they are equal to the works of the "boasted arts" of Europe.

In conclusion, "Poetry To S. M. A Young African Painter, On Seeing His Works" is a masterpiece of African-American literature. Phillis Wheatley's use of language, imagery, and emotion is powerful and evocative, and the poem challenges the prevailing stereotypes about African-Americans at the time. The poem is a celebration of the painter's works and a call to continue pursuing artistic excellence. It is a testament to the resilience and creativity of African-Americans in the face of adversity, and it continues to inspire readers today.

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