Phillis Wheatley's To His Excellency General Washington

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Vasileios Zervoulakos
Dr. Shaun Cullen
English 311
February 29, 2016
Assignment # 1
Phillis Wheatley, “To His Excellency General Washington”

Phillis Wheatley’s poem, "To His Excellency, General Washington," was composed in 1776 and sent in a letter to General Washington. Wheatley was clearly inspired by Washington. From the title of our poem one understands that Wheatley is in favor of the war of Americans against the English crown. General Washington for Wheatley is the pioneer that could just have been picked by God to lead the nation to opportunity. Moreover, throughout the poem, there is a deeper connection between Washington and Columbia (Land of Columbus). Wheatley looks to draw out the vision she sees in both as the motivation behind …show more content…

The symbolism of the poem starts with a light picture: "enthron'd in domains of light." This picture erects the rest of the lyric to be sure in regards to its main figure and activity based upon the beginning reference to light. The symbolism enlightens the message of the lyric - the flexibility of the provinces from Britain. As another foundation, the light of the world was upon the America's. Moreover, Wheatley personifies freedom and America as a goddess Columbia, which means the female goddess of liberty, justice, and new life (American dream). By using “Columbia” with the meaning of goddess, Wheatley attempts to accomplish the objectives of the American Revolution. The writer uses the same diction and style when she is referring to England as “Britannia” (line 35). This way she wants to give a female side of England. Personification can be found also in many other parts of the poem such as in lines 29-34, Wheatley refers to the French and Indian War as evidence of what Columbia's rage can do. To sum up, Wheatley’s poem “To his excellency General Washington” contains great content about themes such as patriotism, freedom and religion. Wheatley backs up these themes by using successfully symbolism, metaphors, diction and divine references, and personification. She raises her audience’s attention and also indicates her opinion about the main theme of the poem the support “freedom’s cause,” the revolution of the Americans against the English colonies. Her writing style made her stand out and become one of the best known African-American female

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