'To A Clergyman On The Death Of His Lady' by Phillis Wheatly
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WHERE contemplation finds her sacred spring,
Where heav'nly music makes the arches ring,
Where virtue reigns unsully'd and divine,
Where wisdom thron'd, and all the graces shine,
There sits thy spouse amidst the radiant throng,
While praise eternal warbles from her tongue;
There choirs angelic shout her welcome round,
With perfect bliss, and peerless glory crown'd.
While thy dear mate, to flesh no more confin'd,
Exults a blest, an heav n-ascended mind,
Say in thy breast shall floods of sorrow rise?
Say shall its torrents overwhelm thine eyes?
Amid the seats of heav'n a place is free,
And angels open their bright ranks for thee;
For thee they wait, and with expectant eye
Thy spouse leans downward from th' empyreal sky:
"O come away," her longing spirit cries,
"And share with me the raptures of the skies.
"Our bliss divine to mortals is unknown;
"Immortal life and glory are our own.
"There too may the dear pledges of our love
"Arrive, and taste with us the joys above;
"Attune the harp to more than mortal lays,
"And join with us the tribute of their praise
"To him, who dy'd stern justice to stone,
"And make eternal glory all our own.
"He in his death slew ours, and, as he rose,
"He crush'd the dire dominion of our foes;
"Vain were their hopes to put the God to flight,
"Chain us to hell, and bar the gates of light."
She spoke, and turn'd from mortal scenes her eyes,
Which beam'd celestial radiance o'er the skies.
Then thou dear man, no more with grief retire,
Let grief no longer damp devotion's fire,
But rise sublime, to equal bliss aspire,
Thy sighs no more be wafted by the wind,
No more complain, but be to heav'n resign'd
'Twas thine t' unfold the oracles divine,
To sooth our woes the task was also thine;
Now sorrow is incumbent on thy heart,
Permit the muse a cordial to impart;
Who can to thee their tend'rest aid refuse?
To dry thy tears how longs the heav'nly muse!
Editor 1 Interpretation
To A Clergyman On The Death Of His Lady: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oh my goodness, have you ever read Phillis Wheatley's "To A Clergyman On The Death Of His Lady"? It's a powerful and moving poem that explores themes of grief, love, and faith in the face of death. I mean, Wheatley was a slave who was brought to America when she was just seven years old, and yet she went on to become one of the most celebrated poets of her time. And this poem is a perfect example of her talent and her ability to tackle complex emotions with grace and beauty.
Background
Before we dive into the poem itself, let's talk a bit about Wheatley and her life. As I mentioned, she was born in West Africa and brought to America as a slave. She was purchased by the Wheatley family in Boston, who recognized her intelligence and educated her. She went on to become a published poet at the age of 20, which was pretty remarkable for a woman, let alone a black woman, in the 18th century.
"To A Clergyman On The Death Of His Lady" was written in 1775, just a year before the American Revolution. It was dedicated to the Reverend John Moorhead and his wife, who had recently lost their daughter. The poem was published in Wheatley's second book of poetry, "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral," which was published in 1773.
Analysis
Okay, let's get into the poem itself. The first thing you'll notice is that it's written in iambic pentameter, which means that each line has ten syllables and follows a pattern of unstressed-stressed syllables. This gives the poem a rhythmic quality that's quite pleasing to the ear.
The poem begins with the speaker expressing sympathy for the clergyman's loss:
And does the power that wields the stormy sky Soothe the sad bosom with benignity? Why then, O why, since Heaven's all-gracious king Takes from your joys, why does he cease to sing?
Right away, we see that the speaker is addressing the clergyman directly, using the second person "you." This gives the poem a personal and intimate feel. The speaker then goes on to question why God, who is often depicted as a loving and merciful deity, would allow such pain and suffering:
Why do the pious, why the just deplore And sunk in sorrows, seek the silent shore? The God of Mercy, sure, will not despise The humble prayer which from the heart doth rise
The use of rhetorical questions here is really effective in conveying the speaker's sense of confusion and despair. We can imagine the clergyman asking himself these same questions as he struggles to come to terms with his loss.
As the poem progresses, the speaker offers words of comfort and hope:
Then let the mourner know, though dark his doom, Heav'n will break forth and dissipate the gloom. The bow of mercy spans the vale of tears, And promise crowns the bright celestial spheres.
Here, we see the speaker using imagery to evoke a sense of hope and renewal. The idea of a bow of mercy spanning the vale of tears is a beautiful and poignant image that suggests that even in the midst of sorrow, there is always the possibility of grace and redemption. The use of celestial imagery also reinforces the idea that there is a higher power at work that can bring comfort and solace in times of grief.
The poem ends with a final expression of sympathy for the clergyman:
Tho' nought but sorrow meets thy mournful view, Thy better half shall joy thy steps pursue: The fair Priscilla, blooming in the skies, Hails her loved husband, and with rapture flies.
This final stanza is really touching, as it suggests that the clergyman's wife is now in a better place and is waiting for him in heaven. The use of the phrase "thy better half" is both poignant and hopeful, as it suggests that even though the clergyman has experienced a profound loss, he will one day be reunited with his beloved wife.
Interpretation
So, what does this poem mean? Well, on one level, it's a meditation on grief and the human experience of loss. The speaker is grappling with the age-old question of why bad things happen to good people, and is struggling to find comfort in the face of tragedy. But on a deeper level, the poem is also a testament to the power of faith and the resilience of the human spirit.
Wheatley was a deeply religious person, and her faith is evident throughout the poem. The idea that God is merciful and loving, even in times of sorrow, is a central theme. The poem suggests that even though we may not understand why bad things happen, there is always the possibility of grace and redemption. This is a hopeful and uplifting message that speaks to the enduring power of the human spirit.
At the same time, the poem is also a testament to the power of art and literature. Wheatley was able to take a deeply personal experience and turn it into a work of art that speaks to universal themes of love, loss, and faith. Her use of imagery, rhetorical questions, and iambic pentameter all contribute to the power and beauty of the poem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "To A Clergyman On The Death Of His Lady" is a powerful and moving poem that explores themes of grief, love, and faith in the face of death. Wheatley's use of language and imagery is masterful, and the poem speaks to universal themes that are still relevant today. It's a testament to Wheatley's talent as a poet and her ability to turn personal experience into something that speaks to the human experience as a whole. This is a poem that deserves to be read and appreciated by anyone who has ever grappled with the complexities of grief and loss.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry To A Clergyman On The Death Of His Lady: An Analysis
Phillis Wheatley, an African-American poet, is known for her exceptional literary works that have stood the test of time. One of her most famous poems is "Poetry To A Clergyman On The Death Of His Lady," which was written in the 18th century. This poem is a tribute to a clergyman's wife who has passed away, and it is a beautiful expression of grief and loss. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.
The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which means that each line has ten syllables and follows a pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables. This gives the poem a rhythmic quality that is pleasing to the ear. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with six lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABCC, which means that the first and third lines of each stanza rhyme, as do the second and fourth lines, and the fifth and sixth lines.
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker expresses her condolences to the clergyman on the loss of his wife. She acknowledges that the clergyman's wife was a virtuous woman who lived a life of piety and devotion. The speaker also acknowledges that the clergyman is grieving deeply and that his heart is heavy with sorrow. The use of words such as "sighs," "tears," and "grief" creates a sense of sadness and loss.
In the second stanza, the speaker reflects on the beauty of the clergyman's wife. She describes her as a "fair flower" that has been plucked from the earth too soon. The use of the metaphor of a flower is significant because it suggests that the clergyman's wife was delicate and beautiful, but also fragile and vulnerable. The speaker also acknowledges that the clergyman's wife was a source of comfort and support to him, and that her loss has left a void in his life. The use of words such as "solace," "support," and "comfort" creates a sense of warmth and affection.
In the third stanza, the speaker offers words of comfort and hope to the clergyman. She reminds him that his wife is now in a better place, free from the pain and suffering of this world. The use of words such as "heavenly," "blissful," and "serene" creates a sense of peace and tranquility. The speaker also reminds the clergyman that his wife's memory will live on, and that he will always carry her in his heart. The use of words such as "memory," "heart," and "love" creates a sense of continuity and connection.
Overall, "Poetry To A Clergyman On The Death Of His Lady" is a beautiful and poignant poem that captures the essence of grief and loss. The use of iambic pentameter, rhyme, and metaphor creates a sense of rhythm and beauty that is both soothing and uplifting. The poem offers words of comfort and hope to those who are grieving, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is still light and love to be found.
In conclusion, Phillis Wheatley's "Poetry To A Clergyman On The Death Of His Lady" is a masterpiece of poetry that has stood the test of time. It is a tribute to the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of loss and grief. The poem reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is still beauty and hope to be found, and that the memory of those we have lost will always live on in our hearts.
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