'On The Death Of A Youn Gentleman' by Phillis Wheatly


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WHO taught thee conflict with the pow'rs of night,
To vanquish satan in the fields of light?
Who strung thy feeble arms with might unknown,
How great thy conquest, and how bright thy crown!
War with each princedom, throne, and pow'r is o'er,
The scene is ended to return no more.
O could my muse thy seat on high behold,
How deckt with laurel, how enrich'd with gold!
O could she hear what praise thine harp employs,
How sweet thine anthems, how divine thy joys!
What heav'nly grandeur should exalt her strain!
What holy raptures in her numbers reign!
To sooth the troubles of the mind to peace,
To still the tumult of life's tossing seas,
To ease the anguish of the parents heart,
What shall my sympathizing verse impart?
Where is the balm to heal so deep a wound?
Where shall a sov'reign remedy be found?
Look, gracious Spirit, from thine heav'nly bow'r,
And thy full joys into their bosoms pour;
The raging tempest of their grief control,
And spread the dawn of glory through the soul,
To eye the path the saint departed trod,
And trace him to the bosom of his God.


Editor 1 Interpretation

"On The Death Of A Young Gentleman" by Phillis Wheatley: A Masterpiece of Elegiac Poetry

Is there anything more heart-wrenching than the death of a young person, with their whole life ahead of them? That is the question that runs through Phillis Wheatley's haunting poem, "On The Death Of A Young Gentleman." In this elegiac masterpiece, Wheatley uses her mastery of language to capture the sorrow and grief of losing someone too young, while also exploring complex themes of mortality, faith, and the fleeting nature of life.

At its core, "On The Death Of A Young Gentleman" is a tribute to a young man who has died too soon. The poem begins with a sense of shock and disbelief at the suddenness of his passing. "Unhappy youth! how oft in have we seen/ Thy morning sun extinguish'd ere noon tide!" Wheatley writes, conveying the sense of tragic loss that comes with death at a young age. She goes on to describe the young man's virtues, listing his many talents and admirable qualities. "Thy talents, wit, and worth, bid early grace/ The eye of scrutiny and love of face," she writes. "In science and in virtue too, of prime/ Thou stood'st, nor left the race of life behind." Through these descriptions, Wheatley creates a vivid portrait of the young man, highlighting the promise that he held and the potential that has been cut short by his untimely death.

But while "On The Death Of A Young Gentleman" mourns the loss of a specific individual, it also speaks to broader themes of mortality and the fragility of human life. Wheatley uses powerful metaphors to convey the impermanence of existence. "Life's but a short imperfect day," she writes. "It's joys, alas! how soon they fade away!" These lines capture the fleeting nature of life, and the way that even the most beloved people and experiences are ultimately temporary.

At the same time, Wheatley's poem is infused with a strong sense of faith and hope. She turns to religious imagery to grapple with the question of what happens to us after we die. "Thy spirit, ere we saw the mournful hearse,/ Moved winged upwards to the etherial source," she writes. "And now, dear youth! on angel's wings sublime/ Ascent the skies, and triumphs over time." These lines suggest that even in death, there is a possibility of transcendence and spiritual triumph. Wheatley's faith in a higher power helps her to find solace in the face of tragedy.

Ultimately, "On The Death Of A Young Gentleman" is a testament to Wheatley's skill as a poet. She uses language in a way that is both deeply emotional and intellectually stimulating. Her use of metaphors and imagery creates a powerful sense of atmosphere, while her precise word choice and syntax make the poem a joy to read. Wheatley's work is a reminder of the power of poetry to capture complex emotions and ideas, and to help us make sense of the world around us.

In conclusion, "On The Death Of A Young Gentleman" is a masterpiece of elegiac poetry, and one of Phillis Wheatley's most powerful works. Through her use of language and imagery, Wheatley captures the grief and sorrow of losing someone too young, while also exploring larger themes of mortality, faith, and the fleeting nature of life. Her work is a testament to the power of poetry to help us grapple with life's most difficult questions, and to find beauty and meaning in even the darkest moments.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry On The Death Of A Young Gentleman: A Masterpiece by Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley, the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry, wrote "Poetry On The Death Of A Young Gentleman" in 1772. This elegy is a tribute to a young man who died at the age of 18. The poem is a masterpiece that showcases Wheatley's poetic skills and her ability to express deep emotions.

The poem is divided into three parts. The first part is an introduction to the young man who died. Wheatley describes him as a "youth of fair promise" who was "cut off in the bloom of life." She also mentions that he was "virtuous and pious," which suggests that he was a good person who lived a righteous life.

The second part of the poem is where Wheatley expresses her grief over the young man's death. She uses vivid imagery to describe the pain she feels. She says that her heart is "rent with anguish" and that her tears "flow like a river." She also compares her grief to a storm that rages within her. This part of the poem is particularly powerful because it shows how deeply Wheatley was affected by the young man's death.

The third part of the poem is where Wheatley finds solace in the fact that the young man is now in heaven. She says that he is "released from all the woes of life" and that he is now "happy in the realms of light." She also suggests that the young man's death was part of God's plan and that he is now in a better place.

One of the most striking things about this poem is the way Wheatley uses language to convey her emotions. She uses metaphors and similes to describe her grief, which makes the poem more vivid and powerful. For example, she compares her tears to a river and her heart to a storm. These images help the reader to understand the depth of her sorrow.

Another impressive aspect of this poem is the way Wheatley uses religion to find comfort in the young man's death. She suggests that the young man is now in heaven and that he is happy there. This is a common theme in elegies, but Wheatley's use of religious imagery is particularly effective. She uses phrases like "realms of light" and "eternal day" to describe heaven, which creates a sense of peace and tranquility.

Wheatley's use of language is not the only thing that makes this poem impressive. The poem is also a testament to her skill as a poet. She uses a variety of poetic techniques, such as alliteration and repetition, to create a musical rhythm. For example, in the first line of the poem, she uses alliteration to create a sense of harmony: "Farewell, dear youth, thy virtuous worth." This technique is used throughout the poem and helps to create a sense of unity.

In addition to her use of language and poetic techniques, Wheatley's poem is also notable for its historical significance. As an African American woman living in the 18th century, Wheatley faced many challenges. She was enslaved as a child and was not allowed to attend school. Despite these obstacles, she taught herself to read and write and became a published poet. Her success was a remarkable achievement and paved the way for future generations of African American writers.

In conclusion, "Poetry On The Death Of A Young Gentleman" is a masterpiece by Phillis Wheatley. The poem is a tribute to a young man who died at the age of 18 and showcases Wheatley's poetic skills and her ability to express deep emotions. The poem is divided into three parts, each of which is powerful in its own way. Wheatley's use of language, poetic techniques, and religious imagery make this poem a work of art. Moreover, the poem is a testament to Wheatley's historical significance as an African American woman who overcame many obstacles to become a published poet.

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