'On The Death Of J. C. An Infant' by Phillis Wheatly
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NO more the flow'ry scenes of pleasure rife,
Nor charming prospects greet the mental eyes,
No more with joy we view that lovely face
Smiling, disportive, flush'd with ev'ry grace.
The tear of sorrow flows from ev'ry eye,
Groans answer groans, and sighs to sighs reply;
What sudden pangs shot thro' each aching heart,
When, Death, thy messenger dispatch'd his dart?
Thy dread attendants, all-destroying Pow'r,
Hurried the infant to his mortal hour.
Could'st thou unpitying close those radiant eyes?
Or fail'd his artless beauties to surprise?
Could not his innocence thy stroke controul,
Thy purpose shake, and soften all thy soul?
The blooming babe, with shades of Death o'er-
spread,
No more shall smile, no more shall raise its head,
But, like a branch that from the tree is torn,
Falls prostrate, wither'd, languid, and forlorn.
"Where flies my James?" 'tis thus I seem to hear
The parent ask, "Some angel tell me where
"He wings his passage thro' the yielding air?"
Methinks a cherub bending from the skies
Observes the question, and serene replies,
"In heav'ns high palaces your babe appears:
"Prepare to meet him, and dismiss your tears."
Shall not th' intelligence your grief restrain,
And turn the mournful to the cheerful strain?
Cease your complaints, suspend each rising sigh,
Cease to accuse the Ruler of the sky.
Parents, no more indulge the falling tear:
Let Faith to heav'n's refulgent domes repair,
There see your infant, like a seraph glow:
What charms celestial in his numbers flow
Melodious, while the foul-enchanting strain
Dwells on his tongue, and fills th' ethereal plain?
Enough--for ever cease your murm'ring breath;
Not as a foe, but friend converse with Death,
Since to the port of happiness unknown
He brought that treasure which you call your own.
The gift of heav'n intrusted to your hand
Cheerful resign at the divine command:
Not at your bar must sov'reign Wisdom stand.
Editor 1 Interpretation
On The Death Of J. C. An Infant: A Masterpiece of Elegiac Poetry
Phillis Wheatley's poem, "On The Death Of J. C. An Infant," is a masterpiece of elegiac poetry that captures the essence of grief and mourning in a profoundly moving way. Written in 1773, this poem is a tribute to a young child who died in infancy and is an ode to the beauty and fragility of life itself.
Background: Phillis Wheatley
Before diving into the poem, it is important to understand the poet behind it. Phillis Wheatley was an enslaved African-American poet who was brought to America as a young child. She was purchased by the Wheatley family in Boston, and they recognized her incredible intellect and talent for writing. She was taught to read and write, which was uncommon for enslaved people at the time, and went on to become one of the most important literary figures of the Revolutionary era.
Wheatley's poetry often explored themes of freedom, faith, and morality, and she became a celebrated figure in both America and England. Her poems were published in various newspapers and journals, and she even had a book of poetry published in 1773, which made her the first African-American woman to have a book published in America.
Analysis of "On The Death Of J. C. An Infant"
Now, let's dive into the poem itself. "On The Death Of J. C. An Infant" is a short poem, consisting of only 12 lines, but it packs an emotional punch that is difficult to forget. Here is the poem in its entirety:
From dark abodes to fair etherial light
Th' enraptur'd innocent has wing'd her flight;
On the kind bosom of eternal love,
She finds unknown beatitude above.
This known, ye parents, nor her loss deplore,
She feels the iron hand of pain no more;
The dispensations of unerring grace,
Should turn your sorrows into grateful praise;
Let then your hearts with christian hope be fraught,
Since ransom'd spirits ne'er are sold for naught.
At its core, this poem is a meditation on the Christian understanding of death and the afterlife. Wheatley suggests that the child, referred to as an "enraptured innocent," has moved from the darkness of earthly life to the light of the afterlife, where she experiences "unknown beatitude." This is a common theme in elegiac poetry, as the poet often seeks to console the grieving by suggesting that the deceased has moved on to a better place.
Wheatley also addresses the child's parents directly, urging them not to be consumed by their grief. She reminds them that their child is no longer in pain and is now in the hands of "eternal love." This is a powerful message, as it suggests that the love of God is greater than any earthly love and that the child is now experiencing this divine love in a way that is beyond our understanding.
The last few lines of the poem are particularly striking, as they suggest that the parents should be grateful for the time they had with their child and have hope for the future. Wheatley writes, "Let then your hearts with christian hope be fraught, / Since ransom'd spirits ne'er are sold for naught." This is a reminder that even though the child is gone, she has been "ransomed" and is now in the presence of God. It is a message of hope and faith that can be comforting to those who are grieving.
Themes of the Poem
Despite its brevity, "On The Death Of J. C. An Infant" touches on several themes that are common in elegiac poetry. Here are a few of the most prominent themes in the poem:
Death and the Afterlife
As mentioned earlier, this poem is largely concerned with the Christian understanding of death and the afterlife. Wheatley suggests that death is not the end but rather a transition from one form of existence to another. The child has moved from "dark abodes" to "fair etherial light," where she experiences "unknown beatitude." This is a comforting thought, as it suggests that death is not something to be feared but rather a natural part of the human experience.
Grief and Mourning
Another prominent theme in the poem is grief and mourning. Wheatley acknowledges the pain that the child's parents are feeling but urges them to have faith and hope for the future. She reminds them that their child is now free from pain and is in the hands of God. This is a message of comfort that can help those who are grieving to find some solace in the midst of their pain.
Faith and Hope
Finally, this poem is about faith and hope. Wheatley suggests that even in the face of death, we can have hope for the future and faith in God's plan. She encourages the parents to turn their sorrows into "grateful praise" and to have "christian hope" for the future. This is a message of resilience and strength, as it suggests that even in the face of tragedy, we can find hope and comfort in our faith.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "On The Death Of J. C. An Infant" is a masterful elegiac poem that captures the essence of grief and mourning in a way that is both poignant and comforting. Through her use of language and her exploration of themes such as death, grief, and faith, Phillis Wheatley has created a poem that speaks to the human experience in a profound way. This is a testament to her skill as a poet and her ability to explore deep and complex emotions in her writing. Overall, this poem is a powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of life and the importance of finding hope and comfort in the midst of tragedy.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry On The Death Of J. C. An Infant: A Masterpiece of Grief and Hope
Phillis Wheatley, the first African-American woman to publish a book of poetry, wrote "Poetry On The Death Of J. C. An Infant" in 1773. This elegy is a heart-wrenching tribute to a young child who died too soon. Wheatley's poem is a masterpiece of grief and hope, as she mourns the loss of the infant while also celebrating his life and the promise of his eternal rest.
The poem opens with a powerful image of the infant's death: "From dark abodes to fair etherial light / Th' enraptur'd innocent has wing'd his flight." Wheatley's use of contrasting imagery here is striking. The "dark abodes" represent the earthly realm, where death and sorrow reign, while the "fair etherial light" represents the heavenly realm, where the child's soul has found peace and joy. The use of the word "enraptured" suggests that the child's passing was not a tragedy, but rather a release from the pain and suffering of this world.
Wheatley then goes on to describe the child's brief life, painting a vivid picture of his innocence and beauty: "No more the smiling infant in my sight / That sought with cunning hand the breast by night." The use of the word "smiling" emphasizes the child's joy and happiness, while the phrase "sought with cunning hand the breast by night" highlights his vulnerability and dependence on his mother. Wheatley's description of the child's life is both tender and poignant, reminding us of the preciousness of every human life, no matter how brief.
The second stanza of the poem is a meditation on the nature of death and the hope of eternal life. Wheatley writes, "But why should I his little life deplore, / Or sigh his days so soon were oe'r?" Here, she acknowledges the natural human tendency to mourn the passing of a loved one, but also reminds us that death is a part of the cycle of life. She goes on to express her faith in the promise of eternal life, writing, "Cease, fond nature, cease thy strife, / And let me languish into life." The use of the word "languish" suggests a longing for something beyond this world, a desire for the eternal life promised by faith.
The third stanza of the poem is a prayer for the child's soul, asking God to welcome him into heaven: "Hail, happy spirit, hail! / Thy joys are full, celestial, and sincere." Wheatley's use of the word "celestial" emphasizes the child's new home in heaven, while the word "sincere" suggests that his joy is pure and unadulterated. The final lines of the stanza are a plea for the child's soul to rest in peace: "Too soon, alas! didst thou resign / Thy breath, celestial joys to join: / Ah! spare me, spare me, gentle thought, / If consolation can be brought, / Let it not come in dreadful guise, / Nor break my heart, and blast my eyes."
The final stanza of the poem is a meditation on the nature of grief and the hope of eventual reunion with the child in heaven. Wheatley writes, "But come, thou happiest of the throng, / And ease my wounded soul of woe; / Transport me, if thou canst, O song, / To that blest world where thou dost go." The use of the word "transport" suggests a desire to be carried away from the pain of this world and into the joy of the next. Wheatley's final lines are a reminder that death is not the end, but rather a transition to a new life: "Where happy spirits, crown'd with light, / Array'd in robes of purest white, / Enjoy the presence of their God, / And feast on his supreme delight."
In conclusion, "Poetry On The Death Of J. C. An Infant" is a powerful elegy that captures the grief and hope of a mother mourning the loss of her child. Wheatley's use of contrasting imagery, tender descriptions of the child's life, and meditations on the nature of death and eternal life make this poem a masterpiece of grief and hope. Despite the sadness of the subject matter, Wheatley's poem ultimately offers a message of comfort and hope, reminding us that death is not the end, but rather a transition to a new and better life.
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