'An Hymn To The Morning' by Phillis Wheatly


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ATTEND my lays, ye ever honour'd nine,
Assist my labours, and my strains refine;
In smoothest numbers pour the notes along,
For bright Aurora now demands my song.
Aurora hail, and all the thousand dies,
Which deck thy progress through the vaulted skies:
The morn awakes, and wide extends her rays,
On ev'ry leaf the gentle zephyr plays;
Harmonious lays the feather'd race resume,
Dart the bright eye, and shake the painted plume.
Ye shady groves, your verdant gloom display
To shield your poet from the burning day:
Calliope awake the sacred lyre,
While thy fair sisters fan the pleasing fire:
The bow'rs, the gales, the variegated skies
In all their pleasures in my bosom rise.
See in the east th' illustrious king of day!
His rising radiance drives the shades away--
But Oh! I feel his fervid beams too strong,
And scarce begun, concludes th' abortive song.


Editor 1 Interpretation

An Hymn To The Morning: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Introduction

Phillis Wheatley, an African American poet, was born in West Africa and enslaved in Boston in the mid-18th century. Despite her circumstances, she became the first published African American woman and a celebrated poet of her time. Wheatley's poem, "An Hymn To The Morning," is a beautiful ode to the morning and the wonders of nature. It is a poem full of rich imagery, religious allusions, and a celebration of life. In this literary criticism, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and interpretations of this poem.

Themes

The themes of "An Hymn To The Morning" are varied and complex. Wheatley explores the beauty of nature, the divine presence in the natural world, and the fleeting nature of life. The poem is a celebration of the morning, and the beauty of the sunrise. It is a hymn to the natural world and the divine presence that can be found in the smallest details of nature. The poem also explores the idea of time and how it is constantly moving forward. Wheatley reminds us that life is fleeting, and we should appreciate every moment we have.

Literary Devices

Wheatley uses a variety of literary devices in "An Hymn To The Morning" to create a rich and vivid description of the natural world. She uses personification to give human qualities to the natural elements, such as the "robes of mist" and the "clouds of amber." She also uses vivid imagery to describe the sunrise, such as "the golden pomp ascending," and "the purple year." The use of alliteration is also prevalent throughout the poem, such as "sable-stoled" and "mournful melody." These literary devices create a sense of wonder and awe in the natural world, and they help to emphasize the themes of the poem.

Interpretation

The interpretation of "An Hymn To The Morning" is open to many different interpretations. One interpretation is that the poem is a celebration of the divine presence in the natural world. Wheatley uses religious allusions throughout the poem, such as "the Father's smile" and "the great Creator's praise." This suggests that Wheatley sees the natural world as a reflection of the divine, and that the beauty of the sunrise is a reminder of God's presence in the world.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a celebration of life and its fleeting nature. Wheatley reminds us that time is constantly moving forward, and that we should appreciate every moment we have. The use of imagery and personification in the poem creates a sense of wonder and awe in the natural world, and this emphasizes the idea that life is beautiful and worth celebrating.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "An Hymn To The Morning" is a beautiful poem that explores the themes of the beauty of nature, the divine presence in the natural world, and the fleeting nature of life. Wheatley uses a variety of literary devices to create a vivid and rich description of the natural world, and these literary devices help to emphasize the themes of the poem. The interpretation of the poem is open to many different interpretations, but ultimately, it is a celebration of life and its beauty. Wheatley's poem is a reminder to appreciate the small moments in life, and to appreciate the beauty of nature that surrounds us every day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

An Hymn To The Morning: A Masterpiece of Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley, the first African-American woman to publish a book of poetry, was a remarkable figure in the history of American literature. Her works are known for their religious themes, classical allusions, and elegant language. Among her most famous poems is "An Hymn To The Morning," a beautiful ode to the dawn that celebrates the beauty and power of nature. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.

The poem begins with a vivid description of the morning sky, which Wheatley portrays as a "robe of azure hue" that is "embroidered o'er with gold." The use of color imagery is significant here, as it creates a visual image of the sky that is both beautiful and awe-inspiring. The gold embroidery suggests that the sky is a work of art, created by a divine artist who has carefully crafted every detail.

Wheatley then goes on to describe the sun, which she calls the "source of light." She portrays the sun as a powerful force that brings warmth and life to the world. The use of personification is evident here, as Wheatley gives the sun human-like qualities, such as the ability to "cheer the face of nature." This personification helps to create a sense of intimacy between the reader and the natural world, as if the sun is a friend who is always there to brighten our day.

The next stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as Wheatley describes the "great Creator" who made the world and all its wonders. She portrays God as a benevolent and loving figure who has created a world that is full of beauty and wonder. The use of religious imagery is evident here, as Wheatley draws on the Christian tradition to create a sense of awe and reverence for the divine.

Wheatley then goes on to describe the natural world, which she portrays as a "mighty choir" that sings the praises of God. She uses a metaphor to describe the birds, which she calls "heavenly minstrels." This metaphor suggests that the birds are not just creatures of the natural world, but also spiritual beings who are capable of praising God in their own way. This idea is reinforced by the use of the word "hymn," which suggests that the birds are singing a song of worship.

The final stanza of the poem is a call to action, as Wheatley urges the reader to "rise, my soul, with thy God." This line suggests that the natural world is not just a source of beauty and wonder, but also a source of spiritual inspiration. Wheatley is urging the reader to connect with the divine through nature, to see the world as a reflection of God's love and creativity.

In terms of form, "An Hymn To The Morning" is a classic example of a hymn. It is written in iambic pentameter, with a regular rhyme scheme (ABABCC). This form is often used in religious poetry, as it creates a sense of order and structure that reflects the divine order of the universe.

In conclusion, "An Hymn To The Morning" is a masterpiece of American literature. It celebrates the beauty and power of nature, and encourages the reader to connect with the divine through the natural world. Wheatley's use of vivid imagery, religious themes, and elegant language make this poem a timeless classic that continues to inspire readers today.

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