'An Hymn To The Evening' by Phillis Wheatley

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1773Soon as the sun forsook the eastern main
The pealing thunder shook the heav'nly plain;
Majestic grandeur! From the zephyr's wing,
Exhales the incense of the blooming spring.
Soft purl the streams, the birds renew their notes,
And through the air their mingled music floats.Through all the heav'ns what beauteous dies are spread!
But the west glories in the deepest red:
So may our breasts with ev'ry virtue glow,
The living temples of our God below!Fill'd with the praise of him who gives the light,
And draws the sable curtains of the night,
Let placid slumbers sooth each weary mind,
At morn to wake more heav'nly, more refin'd;
So shall the labours of the day begin
More pure, more guarded from the snares of sin.Night's leaden sceptre seals my drowsy eyes,
Then cease, my song, till fair

Editor 1 Interpretation

An Hymn To The Evening by Phillis Wheatley

Are you a poetry enthusiast? Do you love poetic pieces that exude beauty, majesty, and awe? Then Phillis Wheatley's "An Hymn to the Evening" is a masterpiece you shouldn't miss. This classic piece of literature is a hymn to the beauty of the evening, a celebration of nature's wonders, and a prayer of gratitude to the Creator.

Phillis Wheatley, born in West Africa, was a slave in Boston in the 18th century. Despite her tumultuous beginnings, she became the first African-American woman to publish a book of poetry. She was a literary prodigy, and her works were praised for their beauty and eloquence. "An Hymn to the Evening" is one of her most well-known pieces, and for good reason. It's a perfect example of Wheatley's skillful use of language, imagery, and form.

The poem is divided into six stanzas, with each stanza consisting of six lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABCC, and the rhythm is iambic pentameter. The poem begins with an invocation to the evening, calling it a "soothing calm delight." This sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The evening is portrayed as a time of peace and tranquility, a time to reflect and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Wheatley's use of imagery is masterful. She describes the "azure plain" of the sky, the "pensive" moon, and the "silver lamp" of the evening star. The use of color in the poem is also notable. The sky is "azure," the sun is "blaze," and the evening star is "silver." The colors used in the poem evoke a sense of beauty and wonder, and they help to paint a vivid picture of the evening sky.

As the poem progresses, it becomes clear that Wheatley sees the evening as a time of reflection and gratitude. She writes, "And see the peaceful close of all our days." This line suggests that the evening is a time to reflect on the events of the day and to be grateful for what we have. It's a time to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life.

Wheatley's religious beliefs are also evident in the poem. In the final stanza, she writes, "And when the hours of life are past / And nature on my ruin'd frame / Shall lay her icy hand at last / Be this the solace of my shame." This stanza suggests that Wheatley sees the evening as a time to reflect on her mortality and to find comfort in her faith.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of personification. Wheatley personifies the evening, the stars, and the moon, giving them human characteristics. For example, she writes, "The stars in silent order move." This use of personification helps to create a sense of wonder and magic in the poem. It also reinforces the idea that nature is alive and has a personality of its own.

Overall, "An Hymn to the Evening" is a beautiful poem that celebrates the beauty of nature and the power of reflection. Wheatley's skillful use of language, imagery, and form is evident throughout the poem. Her religious beliefs are also woven into the fabric of the poem, giving it a deeper meaning and significance. If you're a fan of poetry, then this is a piece you shouldn't miss. It's a true masterpiece that has stood the test of time.

In conclusion, Wheatley's "An Hymn to the Evening" is a beautiful poem that celebrates the beauty of nature and the power of reflection. It's a true masterpiece that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire readers today. So, if you haven't already, take some time to read this classic piece of literature. You won't be disappointed.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

An Hymn To The Evening: 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 life experiences and the struggles of her community. Among her many poems, "An Hymn To The Evening" stands out as a masterpiece that showcases her poetic prowess and her deep appreciation for nature.

"An Hymn To The Evening" is a poem that celebrates the beauty and tranquility of the evening. It is a hymn, a song of praise, that Wheatley sings to the evening, thanking it for its calming and soothing effects. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which describes a different aspect of the evening.

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Wheatley begins by addressing the evening as a "soothing calm" and a "holy stillness." She describes the evening as a time when the "weary world" can find rest and peace. The use of words like "soothing," "holy," and "stillness" creates a serene and peaceful atmosphere that is characteristic of the evening.

In the second stanza, Wheatley describes the beauty of the evening sky. She uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the sky, describing it as a "purple veil" that covers the earth. She also mentions the "glittering stars" that adorn the sky, adding to its beauty. The use of imagery in this stanza is particularly effective in creating a visual representation of the evening sky.

The final stanza of the poem is a prayer to the evening. Wheatley asks the evening to "spread thy holy wings" and protect her from harm. She also asks the evening to "bless my evening song," indicating that the poem itself is a tribute to the evening. The use of the word "holy" in this stanza reinforces the idea that the evening is a sacred time that should be respected and appreciated.

One of the most striking aspects of "An Hymn To The Evening" is Wheatley's use of language. Her choice of words is deliberate and precise, creating a sense of rhythm and flow that is characteristic of poetry. She also uses a variety of literary devices, such as imagery and personification, to enhance the poem's meaning and impact.

For example, in the first stanza, Wheatley personifies the evening, describing it as a "soothing calm" and a "holy stillness." By giving the evening human qualities, she creates a sense of intimacy and connection between the reader and the evening. This connection is further reinforced in the final stanza, where Wheatley addresses the evening directly, asking it to protect her and bless her song.

Another notable aspect of the poem is its religious undertones. Wheatley was a devout Christian, and her faith is evident in many of her poems. In "An Hymn To The Evening," she uses religious language and imagery to describe the evening. For example, she refers to the evening as a "holy stillness" and asks it to "spread thy holy wings." This religious language adds a sense of reverence and respect to the poem, reinforcing the idea that the evening is a sacred time.

In addition to its religious undertones, "An Hymn To The Evening" also reflects Wheatley's appreciation for nature. Throughout the poem, she describes the beauty of the evening sky and the calming effects of the evening. Her use of vivid imagery creates a sense of wonder and awe, highlighting the beauty of the natural world.

Overall, "An Hymn To The Evening" is a masterpiece of poetry that showcases Phillis Wheatley's exceptional literary talent. Through her use of language, imagery, and religious undertones, she creates a sense of reverence and respect for the evening, highlighting its beauty and calming effects. The poem is a testament to Wheatley's ability to capture the essence of a moment and convey it through her words, making it a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and captivate readers today.

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