Analysis Of Wheatley's Poem: Tyranny Of Mother Country
In the opening lines of her poem, Wheatley emphasizes the theme of freedom of the colonies against the oppressing tyranny of mother country. She utilizes personification of "Columbia" as America and enhances the several "glorious victories" that this goddess has accomplished (Wheatley 2).
Because Washington was a slave owner before their possible and surprising encounter he "had heretofore seemed no different from the typical Virginia slave owner" (Basker). However, after knowing about the marvelous poet as Wheatley his perspective changed regarding slavery and race. "He supported a plan to free slaves in South Carolina" and even liberated his own slaves and supported them (Basker). A change that would not have occurred if he has not been profoundly impacted by Wheatley's poem.
According to the poem, the three major principles of America are "equality, your first firm-grounded stand; then free election, and federal band" (50-51).
In these lines, the poet argues about the equivocal principles that had wrongly been kept through history. "Slavery, wars, and woes" had been the tragic results that people had become victims (Barlow 12). However, for the poet, it is now time to return to the right path of wisdom and fairness. …show more content…
The value of a persistent fight for freedom of "Columbia" in Wheatley's poem may have contributed to the antislavery attitude.
This personification strived for "a land of freedom" that years later must be preserved for slavery (Wheatley 32). In Barlow's poem, the value of equality is forcefully repeated several times thus his beliefs were taken by antislavery advocates. Specifically, he was against of slave system and clarified that "then be not masters" of any kind that only oppressed (Barlow 15). Devoutly he supported the ideal that "equality of Right is nature’s plan" and anyone who deviates from this truth will be more than free (Barlow
20).
Wheatley has contributed to the antislavery sentiment with her poems. In her poem, "His Excellency General Washington”, she indirectly highlighted her own capabilities and proved wrong the unfair and inferior treatment that slaves were victims of. Additionally, due to her elevated style, her poem was recognized and published. As a result, her work served as a cornerstone that reduced the extreme fear of "slave insurrections" during the American Revolution (Basker). On the other hand, Barlow's theme of an egalitarian society that must "for ever shine" definitely would have inspired this sentiment (Barlow 33).
Because Washington was a slave owner before their possible and surprising encounter he "had heretofore seemed no different from the typical Virginia slave owner" (Basker). However, after knowing about the marvelous poet as Wheatley his perspective changed regarding slavery and race. "He supported a plan to free slaves in South Carolina" and even liberated his own slaves and supported them (Basker). A change that would not have occurred if he has not been profoundly impacted by Wheatley's poem.
According to the poem, the three major principles of America are "equality, your first firm-grounded stand; then free election, and federal band" (50-51).
In these lines, the poet argues about the equivocal principles that had wrongly been kept through history. "Slavery, wars, and woes" had been the tragic results that people had become victims (Barlow 12). However, for the poet, it is now time to return to the right path of wisdom and fairness. …show more content…
The value of a persistent fight for freedom of "Columbia" in Wheatley's poem may have contributed to the antislavery attitude.
This personification strived for "a land of freedom" that years later must be preserved for slavery (Wheatley 32). In Barlow's poem, the value of equality is forcefully repeated several times thus his beliefs were taken by antislavery advocates. Specifically, he was against of slave system and clarified that "then be not masters" of any kind that only oppressed (Barlow 15). Devoutly he supported the ideal that "equality of Right is nature’s plan" and anyone who deviates from this truth will be more than free (Barlow
20).
Wheatley has contributed to the antislavery sentiment with her poems. In her poem, "His Excellency General Washington”, she indirectly highlighted her own capabilities and proved wrong the unfair and inferior treatment that slaves were victims of. Additionally, due to her elevated style, her poem was recognized and published. As a result, her work served as a cornerstone that reduced the extreme fear of "slave insurrections" during the American Revolution (Basker). On the other hand, Barlow's theme of an egalitarian society that must "for ever shine" definitely would have inspired this sentiment (Barlow 33).