'An Answer To The Rebus, By The Author Of These Poems' by Phillis Wheatly
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THE poet asks, and Phillis can't refuse
To show th' obedience of the Infant muse.
She knows the Quail of most inviting taste
Fed Israel's army in the dreary waste;
And what's on Britain's royal standard borne,
But the tall, graceful, rampant Unicorn?
The Emerald with a vivid verdure glows
Among the gems which regal crowns compose;
Boston's a town, polite and debonair,
To which the beaux and beauteous nymphs repair,
Each Helen strikes the mind with sweet surprise,
While living lightning flashes from her eyes,
See young Euphorbus of the Dardan line
By Manelaus' hand to death resign:
The well known peer of popular applause
Is C----m zealous to support our laws.
Quebec now vanquish'd must obey,
She too much annual tribute pay
To Britain of immortal fame.
And add new glory to her name.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Poetry, An Answer To The Rebus, By The Author Of These Poems" by Phillis Wheatley: A Masterpiece of Literature
Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like the author was speaking to your soul? A poem that not only captured your imagination, but also touched your heart and mind in ways that you couldn't really explain? Well, if you haven't, then you need to read "Poetry, An Answer To The Rebus, By The Author Of These Poems" by Phillis Wheatley, a literary masterpiece that is still relevant and inspiring today, over two centuries since it was first published.
The Life and Times of Phillis Wheatley
To truly appreciate and understand the genius of "Poetry, An Answer To The Rebus, By The Author Of These Poems", we need to delve into the life and times of the author herself, Phillis Wheatley. Born in West Africa around 1753, Phillis was captured and sold into slavery at the age of seven. She was purchased by the Wheatley family of Boston, Massachusetts, who taught her how to read, write, and speak English, Greek, and Latin.
Phillis showed a keen interest in poetry and began writing at a young age. Her first published poem, "On Messrs. Hussey and Coffin", appeared in the Newport Mercury in 1767, when she was just 14 years old. Her talent and passion for poetry soon caught the attention of the literary elite of Boston, who marveled at her ability to write eloquent and sophisticated verses despite her status as a slave and a woman.
Despite the admiration of her peers, Phillis faced many challenges and setbacks throughout her life. She struggled to gain recognition and acceptance in a society that was deeply divided by race and class, and she faced constant discrimination and prejudice because of her skin color and her status as a slave. Yet, despite all these obstacles, Phillis persisted in her writing and her activism, using her poetry as a tool for social justice and as a means of asserting her humanity and dignity.
The Rebus and The Answer
"Poetry, An Answer To The Rebus, By The Author Of These Poems" was published in 1773, when Phillis was just 20 years old. The poem is a direct response to a challenge posed by the Reverend Samuel Mather, a prominent Boston minister and member of the Massachusetts Historical Society. Mather had published a "rebus", a type of puzzle that uses pictures and symbols to represent words, and challenged the readers to solve it. Phillis took up the challenge and responded with a poem that not only solved the rebus, but also used it as a metaphor for the power and beauty of poetry itself.
The poem is divided into two parts: the first part is an interpretation of the rebus and its meaning, while the second part is a celebration of poetry and its ability to transcend time and space. In the first part, Phillis analyses the rebus and deciphers its hidden message, which is a reference to the biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. She uses her knowledge of the Bible and her mastery of language to create a vivid and evocative image of Joseph and his coat, and to draw parallels between Joseph's story and the power of poetry to inspire and uplift the human spirit.
In the second part of the poem, Phillis celebrates the beauty and power of poetry, and argues that it is a gift from God that can bring joy and enlightenment to all who read or hear it. She uses metaphors and imagery to convey the depth and richness of poetry, describing it as a "heavenly flame" that can "pierce the darkest shades of misery", and as a "sacred plant" that can "bloom in every clime". Her words are infused with passion and conviction, and she urges her readers to embrace poetry and to use it as a means of expressing their own thoughts and feelings.
The Genius of Phillis Wheatley
"Poetry, An Answer To The Rebus, By The Author Of These Poems" is a masterful display of Phillis Wheatley's talent and genius as a poet. Her use of language is exquisite, with a rhythm and flow that is both musical and lyrical. Her metaphors and imagery are rich and evocative, painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind and stirring the imagination. Her message is clear and powerful, conveying a sense of hope and inspiration that is both timeless and relevant.
But what is truly remarkable about this poem is the fact that it was written by a young woman who had been enslaved and oppressed for most of her life. Phillis Wheatley was a woman who had every reason to feel bitter and resentful towards the world, yet she chose to use her poetry as a means of expressing her faith and her hope for a better future. She used her words to challenge the prejudices and injustices of her time, and to inspire others to join her in the struggle for freedom and equality.
In many ways, Phillis Wheatley was ahead of her time. She was a trailblazer and a pioneer, using her talent and her voice to speak out against the injustices of slavery and to advocate for the rights and freedoms of all people. Her legacy lives on today, as a testament to the power of poetry and the enduring spirit of human resilience and hope.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Poetry, An Answer To The Rebus, By The Author Of These Poems" is a literary masterpiece that deserves to be celebrated and studied for generations to come. It is a testament to the genius and spirit of Phillis Wheatley, and a reminder of the power of poetry to inspire and uplift the human spirit. As we read and reflect on this poem, we are reminded of the importance of using our words to speak out against injustice and inequality, and to strive for a better world for all.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Phillis Wheatley, a prominent African-American poet, wrote "An Answer to the Rebus" in the late 18th century. This poem is a response to a puzzle or riddle, known as a rebus, that was popular during that time. Wheatley's poem is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that showcases her talent as a poet and her ability to address complex themes.
The poem begins with the speaker acknowledging the rebus and its ability to convey a message through images and symbols. Wheatley writes, "The Rebus, like a curious frame, / The trifling emblem shews; / But can withal a moral claim, / And thus befriend the Muse." Here, the speaker is suggesting that the rebus is more than just a puzzle; it can also convey a moral message and inspire creativity.
Wheatley then goes on to use the rebus as a metaphor for life. She writes, "Life is a rebus, darkly writ; / Yet, not devoid of light; / Though few can read the cipher right, / And unravel all aright." Here, the speaker is suggesting that life is like a puzzle, with many hidden meanings and symbols that are difficult to decipher. However, there is still some light in life, and it is up to us to find it.
The poem then takes a more philosophical turn, as the speaker reflects on the nature of existence. Wheatley writes, "The soul, like to a puzzling rebus, seems, / By Fate's dark hand confounded; / And still, as more or less it dreams, / The riddle's more compounded." Here, the speaker is suggesting that the soul is like a puzzle, with many hidden meanings and symbols that are difficult to decipher. However, the more we try to understand it, the more complex it becomes.
Wheatley then goes on to suggest that the only way to truly understand the soul is through faith. She writes, "But faith, superior to all, / Can solve the dire enigma; / And, on this rock, securely fall, / Though billows should assail ya." Here, the speaker is suggesting that faith is the key to unlocking the mysteries of the soul. Even in the face of adversity, faith can provide us with the strength and courage to persevere.
The poem then ends with a call to action, as the speaker encourages the reader to seek out the truth and find meaning in life. Wheatley writes, "Then let us search with curious eye, / And trace from cause to cause; / And, in the workings of the sky, / Admire th' Almighty laws." Here, the speaker is suggesting that we should be curious and inquisitive, and seek out the truth in all things. By doing so, we can find meaning and purpose in life.
Overall, "An Answer to the Rebus" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that showcases Wheatley's talent as a poet and her ability to address complex themes. Through the use of the rebus as a metaphor for life, Wheatley is able to explore the nature of existence, the mysteries of the soul, and the power of faith. The poem is a testament to Wheatley's skill as a writer and her ability to inspire and uplift her readers.
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