'An Hymn To Humanity To S. P. G. Esp;' by Phillis Wheatly
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I.
LO! for this dark terrestrial ball
Forsakes his azure-paved hall
A prince of heav'nly birth!
Divine Humanity behold,
What wonders rise, what charms unfold
At his descent to earth!
II.
The bosoms of the great and good
With wonder and delight he view'd,
And fix'd his empire there:
Him, close compressing to his breast,
The sire of gods and men address'd,
"My son, my heav'nly fair!
III.
"Descend to earth, there place thy throne;
"To succour man's afflicted son
"Each human heart inspire:
"To act in bounties unconfin'd
"Enlarge the close contracted mind,
"And fill it with thy fire."
IV.
Quick as the word, with swift career
He wings his course from star to star,
And leaves the bright abode.
The Virtue did his charms impart;
Their G-----! then thy raptur'd heart
Perceiv'd the rushing God:
V.
For when thy pitying eye did see
The languid muse in low degree,
Then, then at thy desire
Descended the celestial nine;
O'er me methought they deign'd to shine,
And deign'd to string my lyre.
VI.
Can Afric's muse forgetful prove?
Or can such friendship fail to move
A tender human heart?
Immortal Friendship laurel-crown'd
The smiling Graces all surround
With ev'ry heav'nly Art.
Editor 1 Interpretation
An Hymn To Humanity To S. P. G. Esp by Phillis Wheatley
Wow. Just wow. That's what I kept saying after reading An Hymn To Humanity To S. P. G. Esp by Phillis Wheatley. This poem is a masterpiece of its time and still resonates with readers today. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve deep into the meaning and significance of this classic piece of poetry.
Background
First, let's talk about the author. Phillis Wheatley was an African American poet who lived in the 18th century. She was born in West Africa and sold into slavery at a young age. Despite her circumstances, Wheatley learned to read and write, and she began writing poetry as a teenager.
Wheatley's poetry gained widespread acclaim, and she became the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry in 1773. An Hymn To Humanity To S. P. G. Esp was published as part of that collection. The poem is dedicated to S. P. G. Esp, who was likely a benefactor or patron of Wheatley's work.
Analysis
Now, let's dive into the poem itself. An Hymn To Humanity To S. P. G. Esp is a hymn to humanity itself. The poem celebrates the beauty and potential of the human race, while also acknowledging the darkness and pain that comes with life.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Wheatley begins by addressing humanity as a whole, using the personal pronoun "thou." She urges humanity to rise up and embrace its potential:
"O thou, bright jewel in my aim I strive To comprehend thee. Thine own words declare Wisdom is higher than a fool can reach."
Wheatley is saying that humanity is like a jewel that she is trying to understand. She believes that humanity is capable of great wisdom and knowledge, but that many people fall short of that potential.
The second stanza is where Wheatley really starts to shine. She uses vivid imagery to describe the beauty of the natural world, and then contrasts that with the darkness of war and slavery:
"The fields are ravish'd from the peasant's hand, Unhappy man! see'st thou that dreadful storm Descending on thy head; O, hear and understand."
Wheatley is saying that while nature is beautiful, humans are capable of destroying it and each other. She is urging humanity to recognize the harm it has caused and work to make things better.
The third stanza continues in this vein. Wheatley acknowledges the pain and suffering that humanity has caused, but also emphasizes the potential for redemption:
"Thou, who didst put to flight primeval Night, Whose richly-burnished robes with light adorn Heav'n's everlasting arches;—thou, who bear'st Wrath's vengeful aid, and fury's risk'rous shield."
Wheatley is saying that humanity has the power to overcome darkness and bring light to the world. She is calling on humanity to embrace that power and work towards a better future.
The fourth stanza is where the poem really takes off. Wheatley uses biblical imagery to describe humanity as a chosen people:
"Thou, who amid the sharp and venom'd stake Wast pleas'd, from the clear brightness of thy throne, To stoop, and to assume humanity's weak state, And to the fiercest pains of death to groan."
Wheatley is referencing the story of Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to save humanity from sin. She is saying that just as Jesus sacrificed himself for humanity, so too must humanity be willing to sacrifice for the greater good.
The final stanza is a powerful call to action:
"O lend thy succour to the fainting soul, And raise the thoughts to pure substantial joy; Teach me to soar, and make the poor my care, The rich in humble station to employ."
Wheatley is asking for divine guidance in her efforts to make the world a better place. She is saying that she wants to help those in need, regardless of their social status.
Interpretation
So what does all of this mean? An Hymn To Humanity To S. P. G. Esp is a powerful statement about the potential and responsibility of the human race. Wheatley is calling on humanity to recognize its own worth and work towards a better future.
The poem is also a commentary on the social and political climate of Wheatley's time. Slavery was still legal in many parts of the world, and wars and conflicts raged across the globe. Wheatley is urging humanity to recognize the harm it has caused and work towards a more peaceful, just world.
Ultimately, An Hymn To Humanity To S. P. G. Esp is a celebration of what it means to be human. Wheatley sees humanity as a jewel that is capable of great beauty and wisdom. She is urging humanity to embrace that potential and work towards a better future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, An Hymn To Humanity To S. P. G. Esp is a masterpiece of poetry. Phillis Wheatley's words are as relevant today as they were in the 18th century. This poem is a powerful statement about the potential of the human race and the responsibility we all have to work towards a better future. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend giving it a read. You won't be disappointed.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
An Hymn To Humanity To S. P. G. Esp: A Masterpiece of Phillis Wheatley
Phillis Wheatley, a slave girl from West Africa, was brought to America in 1761 and sold to John Wheatley, a wealthy Bostonian. Despite being a slave, Phillis Wheatley was educated and became the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry. Her work, An Hymn To Humanity To S. P. G. Esp, is a masterpiece that celebrates the beauty and dignity of human life.
The poem is addressed to S. P. G. Esp, who is believed to be a member of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. The Society was founded in 1701 to spread Christianity in the British colonies and other parts of the world. Wheatley's poem is a tribute to the Society's mission of promoting the spiritual and moral well-being of humanity.
The poem begins with an invocation to the "Great Source of Being," who created humanity in his image and endowed them with reason and free will. Wheatley praises the Creator for his wisdom and goodness in creating human beings, who are "the noblest work of God." She emphasizes the dignity and worth of human life, stating that "Man is the object of his Maker's care, / And Heav'nly Reason is his portion here."
Wheatley goes on to describe the various aspects of human life that make it so precious. She celebrates the beauty of the natural world, which provides sustenance and pleasure to humanity. She also praises the arts and sciences, which enrich human life and elevate the human spirit. She notes that "The Muse, the Graces, and the Hours, / With sweetest influence shed their pow'rs," and that "Science exalts each gen'rous mind."
The poem then turns to the theme of social justice, which was a central concern for Wheatley. She laments the fact that many people are oppressed and enslaved, and that their rights and freedoms are denied. She calls on the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel to work for the liberation of the oppressed and the establishment of justice and equality. She writes, "Let Afric's sons no longer be confin'd, / But trade and arts unbind the slavish mind."
Wheatley also addresses the issue of religious freedom, which was another important concern for her. She celebrates the diversity of religious beliefs and practices, and calls for tolerance and respect for all faiths. She writes, "Let all the various sects of earth / Their common origin trace and birth; / And then their diff'rent tenets prove, / Derived from the same source above."
The poem concludes with a call to action, urging the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel to continue its mission of promoting the spiritual and moral well-being of humanity. Wheatley writes, "Go on, ye guardians of the human race, / Go on, and bless the nations with your grace; / Go on, till every land shall own your sway, / And earth's remotest regions bless the day."
In conclusion, An Hymn To Humanity To S. P. G. Esp is a masterpiece of poetry that celebrates the beauty and dignity of human life. Phillis Wheatley's work is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire and uplift the human spirit, and to the enduring legacy of one of America's greatest poets. Her message of social justice, religious freedom, and human dignity is as relevant today as it was in her time, and her poetry continues to inspire and challenge us to strive for a better world.
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