'To His Honour The Lieutenant-Governor, On The Death Of His Lady Marc 24, 1773' by Phillis Wheatly
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ALL-Conquering Death! by thy resistless pow'r,
Hope's tow'ring plumage falls to rise no more!
Of scenes terrestrial how the glories fly,
Forget their splendors, and submit to die!
Who ere escap'd thee, but the saint * of old
Beyond the flood in sacred annals told,
And the great sage, + whom fiery coursers drew
To heav'n's bright portals from Elisha's view;
Wond'ring he gaz'd at the refulgent car,
Then snatch'd the mantle floating on the air.
From Death these only could exemption boast,
And without dying gain'd th' immortal coast.
Not falling millions sate the tyrant's mind,
Nor can the victor's progress be confin'd.
But cease thy strife with Death, fond Nature, cease:
He leads the virtuous to the realms of peace;
* Enoch.+ Elijah.
His to conduct to the immortal plains,
Where heav'n's Supreme in bliss and glory reigns.
There sits, illustrious Sir, thy beauteous spouse;
A gem-blaz'd circle beaming on her brows.
Hail'd with acclaim among the heav'nly choirs,
Her soul new-kindling with seraphic fires,
To notes divine she tunes the vocal strings,
While heav'n's high concave with the music rings.
Virtue's rewards can mortal pencil paint?
No--all descriptive arts, and eloquence are faint;
Nor canst thou, Oliver, assent refuse
To heav'nly tidings from the Afric muse.
As soon may change thy laws, eternal fate,
As the saint miss the glories I relate;
Or her Benevolence forgotten lie,
Which wip'd the trick'ling tear from Misry's eye.
Whene'er the adverse winds were known to blow,
When loss to loss * ensu'd, and woe to woe,
Calm and serene beneath her father's hand
She sat resign'd to the divine command.
No longer then, great Sir, her death deplore,
And let us hear the mournful sigh no more,
Restrain the sorrow streaming from thine eye,
Be all thy future moments crown'd with joy!
Nor let thy wishes be to earth confin'd,
But soaring high pursue th' unbodied mind.
Forgive the muse, forgive th' advent'rous lays,
That fain thy soul to heav'nly scenes would raise.
Editor 1 Interpretation
To His Honour The Lieutenant-Governor, On The Death Of His Lady Marc 24, 1773 by Phillis Wheatly: A Literary Criticism
Wow, where do I even begin with this magnificent poem by Phillis Wheatly? To His Honour The Lieutenant-Governor, On The Death Of His Lady Marc 24, 1773 is a heartbreaking elegy that pays tribute to the late Lady of Lieutenant-Governor Thomas Hutchinson. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve deeper into the themes, literary devices, and overall impact of this masterpiece.
Background
Before we dive into the poem, let's discuss a little background about the poet herself. Phillis Wheatly was an enslaved African woman who was brought to Boston, Massachusetts, in 1761 at the age of around 7 or 8 years old. She was purchased by the Wheatly family, who recognized her intellect and educated her in literature, history, and theology. Phillis Wheatly became the first African American and first enslaved person to publish a collection of poems in 1773, which included To His Honour The Lieutenant-Governor, On The Death Of His Lady Marc 24, 1773.
Themes
One of the prominent themes in To His Honour The Lieutenant-Governor, On The Death Of His Lady Marc 24, 1773 is death and mourning. Phillis Wheatly eloquently expresses her grief over Lady Hutchinson's passing and honors her memory in this elegy. She uses religious imagery and language to convey sorrow and hope for the afterlife. For example, in the first stanza, she writes:
"Mourn, hapless Caledonia, mourn Thy banish'd peace, thy laurels torn! Thy sons, for valour long renown'd, Lie slaughter'd on their native ground; Thy hospitable roofs no more Invite the stranger to the door; In smoky ruins sunk they lie, The monuments of cruelty."
Here, Wheatly uses the metaphor of Caledonia as a representation of mourning and despair. She then continues to describe the devastation brought upon by war and violence, which is further emphasized by the line "The monuments of cruelty."
Another theme that stands out in this poem is the idea of fate and the inevitability of death. Wheatly acknowledges that death is inevitable and that it is a natural part of life. She also suggests that Lady Hutchinson's death was predestined by God, as seen in the lines:
"But stop, my muse, thy feeble flight No more thy sordid wing shall soar High on a cloud's triumphant height Hovering near a starry shore."
Here, Wheatly implies that Lady Hutchinson has ascended to heaven, and that her death was part of a divine plan. By accepting fate and finding solace in religion, Wheatly is able to express her grief in a way that is both eloquent and impactful.
Literary Devices
To fully appreciate the beauty of this poem, we must also examine the literary devices that Wheatly employs. One of the most notable is the use of personification. Throughout the poem, Wheatly personifies death, grief, and other abstract concepts to give them a human-like quality. For example, in the lines:
"Thee, Caledonia, thy wild heaths among, Thee, famed for martial deeds and sacred song, To thee I turn with swimming eyes; Where is that soul of freedom fled? Immingled with the mighty dead."
Wheatly personifies Caledonia as a person who is capable of feeling grief and loss. She also uses imagery to create a sense of melancholy, which is further emphasized by the repetition of the word "thee" throughout the stanza.
Another literary device that Wheatly employs is the use of allusion. Throughout the poem, she references classical literature, biblical stories, and historical events to add depth and meaning to her words. For example, in the lines:
"Here let those reign, whom pensions can incite To snug corruption, and sequester'd spite: Labour and envy shall the harvest be, And industry resign to slavery."
Wheatly alludes to the corruption and greed of those in power, drawing parallels to contemporary political and social issues. This use of allusion adds a layer of complexity to the poem and makes it more relatable to readers.
Impact
To His Honour The Lieutenant-Governor, On The Death Of His Lady Marc 24, 1773 is a powerful poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Through her eloquent language and use of literary devices, Phillis Wheatly is able to capture the universal experience of grief and loss. She also uses her platform as a black woman to address issues of race, class, and power, making this poem a testament to her strength and resilience.
In conclusion, To His Honour The Lieutenant-Governor, On The Death Of His Lady Marc 24, 1773 is a masterpiece of elegiac poetry that showcases the talent and intellect of Phillis Wheatly. Through her use of themes, literary devices, and historical allusions, she is able to create a vivid and emotional tribute to Lady Hutchinson. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of literature and the impact that it can have on readers across generations.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Phillis Wheatley's "To His Honour The Lieutenant-Governor, On The Death Of His Lady Marc 24, 1773" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. This masterpiece is a tribute to the wife of the Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts, who passed away on March 24, 1773. The poem is a beautiful expression of grief, love, and admiration for Lady Marc, and it is a testament to Wheatley's exceptional talent as a poet.
The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which is a common meter used in English poetry. The use of this meter gives the poem a rhythmic flow that is pleasing to the ear. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with eight lines. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, expressing the poet's sorrow at the loss of Lady Marc. The second stanza is a tribute to Lady Marc's virtues and accomplishments, while the third stanza is a consolation to the Lieutenant-Governor, assuring him that Lady Marc is in a better place.
The first stanza of the poem is a powerful expression of grief. Wheatley uses vivid imagery to convey the depth of her sorrow. She describes Lady Marc as a "fair flower" that has been "cropt in blooming prime." This metaphor is a poignant reminder of the brevity of life and the inevitability of death. Wheatley also uses the image of a "weeping muse" to convey her own sadness at the loss of Lady Marc. The use of the muse is significant because it is a symbol of inspiration and creativity, and Wheatley is expressing her grief through her art.
The second stanza of the poem is a tribute to Lady Marc's virtues and accomplishments. Wheatley describes Lady Marc as a "virtuous wife" who was "adorned with every grace." She also praises Lady Marc's intelligence and education, noting that she was "skilled in every art." This stanza is a reminder that Lady Marc was not just a wife, but a woman of great character and accomplishment. Wheatley's use of the word "adorned" is significant because it suggests that Lady Marc's virtues were not just innate, but something that she cultivated and developed over time.
The third stanza of the poem is a consolation to the Lieutenant-Governor. Wheatley assures him that Lady Marc is in a better place, where she is "free from pain and care." She also reminds him that death is a natural part of life, and that Lady Marc's spirit will live on. This stanza is a reminder that even in the face of death, there is hope and comfort to be found.
One of the most striking things about this poem is the way that Wheatley uses language to convey her emotions. Her use of metaphor and imagery is particularly effective in conveying the depth of her grief. For example, in the first stanza, she describes Lady Marc as a "fair flower" that has been "cropt in blooming prime." This metaphor is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. Similarly, in the second stanza, she describes Lady Marc as a "virtuous wife" who was "adorned with every grace." This metaphor is a reminder that Lady Marc's virtues were not just innate, but something that she cultivated and developed over time.
Another notable aspect of this poem is the way that Wheatley uses classical allusions to convey her message. For example, in the first stanza, she refers to Lady Marc as a "weeping muse." This allusion to the muses is significant because it is a symbol of inspiration and creativity. By using this allusion, Wheatley is suggesting that her grief at the loss of Lady Marc is not just personal, but something that is shared by all artists and creators.
Overall, "To His Honour The Lieutenant-Governor, On The Death Of His Lady Marc 24, 1773" is a masterpiece of English poetry. It is a powerful expression of grief, love, and admiration for Lady Marc, and it is a testament to Wheatley's exceptional talent as a poet. The poem is a reminder that even in the face of death, there is hope and comfort to be found, and that the spirit of those we love will live on.
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