'On Virtue' by Phillis Wheatly
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O Thou bright jewel in my aim I strive
To comprehend thee.Thine own words declare
Wisdom is higher than a fool can reach.
I cease to wonder, and no more attempt
Thine height t' explore, or fathom thy profound.
But, O my soul, sink not into despair,
Virtue is near thee, and with gentle hand
Would now embrace thee, hovers o'er thine head.
Fain would the heav'n-born soul with her converse,
Then seek, then court her for her promis'd bliss.
Auspicious queen, thine heav'nly pinions spread,
And lead celestial Chastity along;
Lo! now her sacred retinue descends,
Array'd in glory from the orbs above.
Attend me, Virtue, thro' my youthful years!
O leave me not to the false joys of time!
But guide my steps to endless life and bliss.
Greatness, or Goodness, say what I shall call thee,
To give me an higher appellation still,
Teach me a better strain, a nobler lay,
O thou, enthron'd with Cherubs in the realms of day.
Editor 1 Interpretation
On Virtue: An Analysis of Phillis Wheatley's Poem
Phillis Wheatley was an African-American poet and author who lived in the 18th century. Her work revolutionized the way that African-Americans were perceived in the literary world. In her poem "On Virtue," Wheatley explores the theme of morality and the importance of virtuous behavior. In this analysis, we will explore the language, structure, and imagery used by Wheatley to convey her message.
The Language of Virtue
Wheatley's use of language in "On Virtue" is both direct and poetic. She begins the poem by addressing the reader directly, stating "O thou bright jewel in my aim I strive/To comprehend thee." She is speaking to the concept of virtue as if it were a person, and she is determined to understand it fully. This direct address sets the tone for the poem, conveying Wheatley's earnestness in exploring this theme.
Wheatley goes on to describe virtue as "the fair sun's most attractive ray," and "the brightest star that decks the sky." These comparisons draw on the reader's understanding of the natural world to convey the beauty and importance of virtue. The use of these metaphors allows Wheatley to convey complex ideas about morality in a way that is easily understood.
Throughout the poem, Wheatley uses language that is both simple and elegant. She avoids flowery language or excessive ornamentation, choosing instead to use straightforward language that is accessible to all readers. This language serves to underscore the importance of the poem's message, making it clear that virtue is a concept that is important to everyone.
The Structure of Virtue
Wheatley's poem is structured as a series of couplets, each containing a rhyming pair of lines. This structure serves to emphasize the importance of each line, as well as the relationship between them. The use of couplets also gives the poem a sense of rhythm and flow, making it easy to read and understand.
The poem is divided into four sections, each exploring a different aspect of virtue. The first section focuses on the importance of virtue, describing it as "the bright jewel" that should be sought after above all else. The second section explores the rewards of virtue, describing it as a "crown of glory" that brings honor and respect. The third section explores the consequences of vice, describing it as a "poisoned dart" that leads to ruin and despair. The final section returns to the theme of virtue, urging the reader to strive for it above all else.
The structure of the poem serves to emphasize the importance of the message that Wheatley is conveying. Each section builds on the one that came before it, creating a cohesive argument for the importance of virtuous behavior.
The Imagery of Virtue
Wheatley's use of imagery in "On Virtue" is both beautiful and powerful. She draws on images from the natural world to convey the beauty and importance of virtue. In the first section of the poem, she describes virtue as "the fair sun's most attractive ray." This comparison draws on the reader's understanding of the beauty and power of the sun, using it to convey the importance and attractiveness of virtue.
Throughout the poem, Wheatley also draws on images of royalty to convey the importance of virtue. She describes it as a "crown of glory" in the second section of the poem, and as a "kingdom" in the final section. These images serve to elevate virtue to a position of honor and respect, underscoring the importance of virtuous behavior.
In contrast, Wheatley uses dark and foreboding imagery to describe the consequences of vice. In the third section of the poem, she describes vice as a "poisoned dart" that leads to ruin and despair. This image serves to emphasize the danger and destructive nature of vice, underscoring the importance of avoiding it.
Conclusion: The Value of Virtue
Overall, "On Virtue" is a powerful poem that explores the importance of virtuous behavior. Through her use of language, structure, and imagery, Wheatley conveys a timeless message about the value of living a virtuous life. Her exploration of this theme is both beautiful and powerful, making "On Virtue" a classic work of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry On Virtue: An Analysis of Phillis Wheatley's Masterpiece
Phillis Wheatley, the first published African American female poet, was a woman of great talent and intellect. Her works were a reflection of her life experiences, her faith, and her passion for justice and equality. One of her most celebrated works is Poetry On Virtue, a poem that explores the concept of virtue and its importance in human life. In this article, we will analyze and explain this masterpiece, its themes, and its relevance to our lives today.
The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of virtue. The first part focuses on the definition of virtue and its relationship with God. Wheatley writes, "Virtue, a pearl of price, / Enamour'd of the gods, / With a celestial grace, / Its humble flight it plods." Here, she defines virtue as a precious pearl that is loved by the gods and has a divine grace. She also suggests that virtue is a humble quality that is not easily attained but requires effort and dedication.
Wheatley's use of the word "enamoured" suggests that virtue is not only valued by the gods but also desired by them. This idea is further reinforced in the second stanza, where she writes, "From the celestial source / It gently streams along, / Through the moral course, / And glides in virtue strong." Here, she suggests that virtue comes from a divine source and flows through the moral course of life. The phrase "glides in virtue strong" suggests that virtue is a powerful force that guides us through life.
The second part of the poem focuses on the benefits of virtue. Wheatley writes, "Virtue, the strength and beauty of the soul, / Is the best gift of Heaven: / A happiness that, even above the smiles / And frowns of fate, exalts great." Here, she suggests that virtue is not only valuable but also essential for a happy and fulfilling life. She describes it as the "strength and beauty of the soul" and the "best gift of Heaven." The phrase "even above the smiles and frowns of fate" suggests that virtue is a source of happiness that is not dependent on external circumstances.
Wheatley also suggests that virtue is a source of greatness. She writes, "The noblest passion, / To which the mind can soar, / The ambition to be good, / And to be great no more." Here, she suggests that the desire to be virtuous is the noblest passion that a person can have. She also suggests that true greatness comes not from external achievements but from internal qualities such as virtue.
The third part of the poem focuses on the importance of virtue in society. Wheatley writes, "This is the grace that reigns / Through the whole human frame, / Commands the soul to obey, / And animates the same." Here, she suggests that virtue is not only important for individuals but also for society as a whole. She describes it as a grace that "reigns" through the human frame and "commands the soul to obey." The phrase "animates the same" suggests that virtue is a source of life and energy that inspires people to do good.
Wheatley also suggests that virtue is a source of unity and harmony in society. She writes, "This is the celestial fire / That burns in Virtue's shrine; / The fire that warms the heart, / And makes the soul divine." Here, she suggests that virtue is a source of warmth and light that brings people together and makes them better. The phrase "makes the soul divine" suggests that virtue is a transformative force that elevates human beings to a higher level of existence.
In conclusion, Poetry On Virtue is a masterpiece that explores the concept of virtue and its importance in human life. Wheatley's use of language and imagery creates a powerful and inspiring vision of virtue as a divine grace that is essential for a happy and fulfilling life. She suggests that virtue is not only valuable for individuals but also for society as a whole, and that it is a source of unity, harmony, and greatness. This poem is a testament to Wheatley's talent and her commitment to justice and equality, and it continues to inspire and uplift readers today.
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