'To A Lady On The Death Of The Three Relations' by Phillis Wheatly
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WE trace the pow'r of Death from tomb to tomb,
And his are all the ages yet to come.
'Tis his to call the planets from on high,
To blacken Phoebus, and dissolve the sky;
His too, when all in his dark realms are hurl'd,
From its firm base to shake the solid world;
His fatal sceptre rules the spacious whole,
And trembling nature rocks from pole to pole.
Awful he moves, and wide his wings are spread:
Behold thy brother number'd with the dead!
From bondage freed, the exulting spirit flies
Beyond Olympus, and these starry skies.
Lost in our woe for thee, blest shade, we mourn
In vain; to earth thou never must return.
Thy sisters too, fair mourner, feel the dart
Of Death, and with fresh torture rend thine heart.
Weep not for them, and leave the world behind.
As a young plant by hurricanes up torn,
So near its parent lies the newly born--
But 'midst the bright ehtereal train behold
It shines superior on a throne of gold:
Then, mourner, cease; let hope thy tears restrain,
Smile on the tomb, and sooth the raging pain.
On yon blest regions fix thy longing view,
Mindless of sublunary scenes below;
Ascend the sacred mount, in thought arise,
And seek substantial and immortal joys;
Where hope receives, where faith to vision springs,
And raptur'd seraphs tune th' immortal strings
To strains extatic.Thou the chorus join,
And to thy father tune the praise divine.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Beauty of Grief: A Critical Analysis of Phillis Wheatley's "To a Lady on the Death of the Three Relations"
Phillis Wheatley was one of the most prominent African American poets of the eighteenth century. Her work was characterized by her bold and eloquent use of language, as well as her exploration of themes such as slavery, religion, and death. "To a Lady on the Death of the Three Relations" is one of her most famous poems, and it is a powerful exploration of the grief that accompanies the loss of loved ones.
The Poem
"To a Lady on the Death of the Three Relations" is a poem that was written by Phillis Wheatley in 1772. It was addressed to a woman who had recently lost three of her family members. The poem is a heartfelt expression of sympathy and understanding, and it explores various aspects of grief, such as the feeling of emptiness that follows the loss of loved ones.
Structure
The poem is structured in three stanzas, each containing five lines. The first two stanzas are written in iambic tetrameter, while the last stanza is written in iambic trimeter. This structure gives the poem a sense of symmetry and balance, which is appropriate for a poem that deals with the themes of loss and grief.
Tone
The tone of the poem is one of empathy and understanding. It is clear that Wheatley is writing from her own experience of loss, as she explores the various emotions that accompany the death of loved ones. She speaks directly to the lady who has suffered the loss, offering words of comfort and understanding.
Analysis
"To a Lady on the Death of the Three Relations" is a poem that is rich in literary devices and imagery. Through her use of language, Wheatley is able to convey the depth of grief that accompanies the loss of loved ones, and she offers a powerful exploration of the human experience of loss.
Imagery
One of the most striking elements of the poem is Wheatley's use of imagery. Throughout the poem, she compares the experience of grief to various natural phenomena, such as the setting sun and the falling leaves. This imagery serves to highlight the cyclical nature of life and death, and it suggests that even in the midst of grief, there is a sense of continuity and renewal.
Metaphor
In addition to her use of imagery, Wheatley also employs metaphor in her exploration of grief. For example, she refers to the loss of loved ones as "the shafts of mighty Jove", which suggests that the experience of grief is akin to being struck by lightning. This metaphor highlights the suddenness and intensity of grief, as well as its ability to overwhelm and incapacitate those who experience it.
Personification
Finally, Wheatley also makes use of personification in her exploration of grief. For example, she speaks of "the mournful muse" who sings "the dirge of hapless love". This personification serves to give voice to the emotions of grief, and it suggests that grief is a powerful force that can take on a life of its own.
Interpretation
"To a Lady on the Death of the Three Relations" is a poem that offers a powerful exploration of grief, and it speaks to the universal human experience of loss. Through her use of imagery, metaphor, and personification, Wheatley is able to convey the depth and complexity of grief, and she offers a message of hope and renewal to those who have suffered loss.
The Beauty of Grief
One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is the way in which Wheatley portrays grief as a beautiful and meaningful experience. Rather than seeing grief as something to be avoided or denied, she suggests that it is an essential part of the human experience. She writes, "The tear that flows / Or sobs that burst from anguish'd woes / Are painful music to the lover's ear." This suggests that even in the midst of grief, there is a sense of beauty and meaning, and that the experience of loss can be a transformative one.
The Continuity of Life
Another important theme in the poem is the notion of continuity. Throughout the poem, Wheatley suggests that even in the face of death, there is a sense of continuity and renewal. She writes, "Yet nature's charms, the hills and dales, / The pleasing change of vernal gales, / The varied beauties of the year, / With joy successive in appear." This suggests that even in the midst of grief, there is a sense of continuity and renewal, and that life goes on even in the face of loss.
The Importance of Empathy
Finally, the poem underscores the importance of empathy and human connection. Throughout the poem, Wheatley speaks directly to the lady who has suffered the loss, offering words of comfort and understanding. This suggests that in the face of loss, it is important to reach out to others, to offer support and empathy, and to recognize that the experience of grief is a universal one.
Conclusion
"To a Lady on the Death of the Three Relations" is a powerful exploration of grief, and it speaks to the universal human experience of loss. Through her use of imagery, metaphor, and personification, Wheatley is able to convey the depth and complexity of grief, and she offers a message of hope and renewal to those who have suffered loss. The poem underscores the importance of empathy and human connection, and it suggests that even in the midst of grief, there is a sense of beauty and meaning. Overall, "To a Lady on the Death of the Three Relations" is a timeless and resonant poem that continues to speak to readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry To A Lady On The Death Of The Three Relations: A Masterpiece of Phillis Wheatley
Phillis Wheatley, the first African-American woman to publish a book of poetry, is known for her exceptional literary works that reflect her experiences as a slave and her deep understanding of Christianity. One of her most celebrated poems is "Poetry To A Lady On The Death Of The Three Relations," which she wrote in 1772 to console a grieving friend. The poem is a masterpiece of elegiac poetry that showcases Wheatley's poetic talent and her ability to express profound emotions through her words.
The poem is a tribute to the memory of three people who were dear to the heart of the lady to whom Wheatley addressed the poem. The first two stanzas of the poem set the tone for the elegy, with Wheatley expressing her condolences to the lady and acknowledging the pain of losing loved ones. She writes:
"WEep not, my fair, for him who wrought Such wonders for his own dear sake; Seeing he has departed hence, 'Tis meet that he should henceforth take His mansion in the sky, and join The choir celestial, which he sought."
"Nor for thy mother mourn in vain, Who, lost to life and senseless clay, Receives, beyond this scene of pain, A crown that fadeth not away; She, with the Saviour now doth reign, And joys in everlasting day."
In these stanzas, Wheatley uses a gentle and comforting tone to console the lady, assuring her that her loved ones are in a better place and that they are now with the Lord. The use of religious imagery and language is a recurring theme in Wheatley's poetry, and it is evident in this poem as well.
The third stanza of the poem is where Wheatley shifts her focus to the third person who had passed away, the lady's brother. She writes:
"But O! the father's loss, how great! The brother's anguish who can tell! Yet he who gives, can take away, And he who takes, withholds to sell No more than he shall see it meet, And all his ways are just and right."
In this stanza, Wheatley acknowledges the pain and sorrow that the lady's brother's death has caused, and she reminds her that God is just and that he has a plan for everyone. The use of the phrase "he who gives, can take away" is a reference to the biblical story of Job, where God takes away everything from Job but later restores it all. Wheatley's use of this phrase is a reminder that even in the face of loss and tragedy, one must have faith in God's plan.
The fourth and final stanza of the poem is where Wheatley brings the elegy to a close. She writes:
"Then let not grief thy soul deject, But in the hope of glory strong, Thy dear departed friends expect To meet thee in the heavenly throng, Where joyful angels, loved and blest, Attend the summons of their Lord."
In this stanza, Wheatley encourages the lady to find solace in the hope of eternal life and the promise of reuniting with her loved ones in heaven. The use of the phrase "heavenly throng" is a reference to the biblical concept of the "great multitude" in Revelation 7:9, where people from every nation, tribe, and language gather before the throne of God.
Overall, "Poetry To A Lady On The Death Of The Three Relations" is a beautiful and poignant elegy that showcases Wheatley's poetic talent and her deep understanding of Christianity. The poem is a testament to the power of words to console and uplift the human spirit in times of grief and sorrow. Wheatley's use of religious imagery and language adds a spiritual dimension to the poem, making it a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and comfort readers to this day.
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