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General Introduction
Phillis Wheatley, born around 1753 in West Africa and brought to America as a slave, is considered the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry. She was educated by her owners, the Wheatley family, who recognized her talents. Her work often reflected her life experiences and her faith, characterized by classical allusions and a neoclassical style. "A Farewel to America to Mrs. S. W." was written during a time when Wheatley was preparing to travel to England for her health and to seek further recognition of her literary talents.
‘A Farewel To America to Mrs. S. W.’ By Phillis Wheatley
I.
ADIEU, New-England's smiling meads,
Adieu, the flow'ry plain:
I leave thine op'ning charms, O spring,
And tempt the roaring main.
II.
In vain forme the flow'rets rise,
And boast their gaudy pride,
While here beneath the northern skies
I mourn for health deny'd.
III.
Celestial maid of rosy hue,
O let me feel thy reign!
I languish till thy face I view,
Thy vanish'd joys regain.
IV.
Susanna mourns, nor can I bear
To see the crystal show'r,
Or mark the tender falling tear
At sad departure's hour;
V.
Not unregarding can I see
Her soul with grief opprest:
But let no sighs, no groans forme,
Steal from her pensive breast.
VI.
In vain the feather'd warblers sing,
In vain the garden blooms,
And on the bosom of the spring
Breathes outher sweet perfumes.
VII.
While for Britannia's distant shore
We sweep the liquid plain,
And with astonish'd eyes explore
The wide-extended main.
VIII.
Lo! Health appears! celestial dame!
Complacent and serene,
With Hebe's mantle o'er her Frame,
With soul-delighting mein.
IX.
To mark the vale where London lies
With misty vapours crown'd,
Which cloud Aurora's thousand dyes,
And veil her charms around.
X.
Why, Phoebus, moves thy car so slow?
So slow thy rising ray?
Give us the famous town to view,
Thou glorious king of day!
XI.
For thee, Britannia, I resign
New-England's smiling fields;
To view again her charms divine,
What joy the prospect yields!
XII.
But thou! Temptation hence away,
With all thy fatal train,
Nor once seduce my soul away,
By thine enchanting strain.
XIII.
Thrice happy they, whose heav'nly shield
Secures their souls from harms,
And fell Temptation on the field
Of all its pow'r disarms!
Title:
The title, "A Farewel to America to Mrs. S. W.," suggests a personal and emotional departure. "Farewel" indicates a significant goodbye, and the dedication to "Mrs. S. W." (likely Susanna Wheatley, her owner) adds a personal dimension, hinting at the bond between them and the poet's mixed feelings about leaving.
Themes:
- Separation and Farewell: The poem expresses the sorrow and inevitability of parting. "Adieu, New-England's smiling meads, / Adieu, the flow'ry plain" (I.1-2) highlights the poet's sadness in leaving her familiar surroundings.
- Health and Healing: Wheatley mentions her quest for health, reflecting her hope that the journey will bring physical improvement. "While here beneath the northern skies / I mourn for health deny'd" (II.3-4).
- Nature's Beauty: Despite her appreciation for nature, Wheatley finds no solace in it due to her ill health. "In vain for me the flow'rets rise, / And boast their gaudy pride" (II.1-2).
- Friendship and Affection: The poem reflects the deep emotional bond between Wheatley and Susanna Wheatley. "Susanna mourns, nor can I bear / To see the crystal show'r" (IV.1-2).
- Hope and Anticipation: Wheatley looks forward to the prospect of improved health and new experiences in Britain. "Lo! Health appears! celestial dame! / Complacent and serene" (VIII.1-2).
Structure and Form
The poem is composed of thirteen quatrains with alternating lines of iambic tetrameter and iambic trimeter, typical of Wheatley's neoclassical style. The rhyme scheme follows an ABAB pattern, providing a rhythmic and harmonious quality that emphasizes the poem's themes.
Literary Devices
- Allusion: Wheatley references classical and mythological figures, such as "Hebe" and "Phoebus," to elevate the tone and draw connections to health and the sun. "With Hebe's mantle o'er her Frame" (VIII.3).
- Personification: Health is personified as a "celestial dame" and a "maid of rosy hue," giving it a divine and nurturing character. "Lo! Health appears! celestial dame!" (VIII.1).
- Imagery: Vivid descriptions of nature and the sea evoke sensory experiences, such as "New-England's smiling meads" and "the roaring main" (I.1, I.4).
- Metaphor: The sea voyage represents Wheatley's journey through life and search for health. "We sweep the liquid plain" (VII.3).
- Contrast: The juxtaposition of the beauty of New England with the poet's declining health highlights the irony of her situation. "In vain the garden blooms" (VI.2).
- Repetition: The repeated use of "Adieu" and "In vain" underscores the poet's sense of loss and longing.
Language and Diction
Wheatley's diction is formal and elevated, characteristic of the neoclassical style. Words like "adieu," "celestial," and "complacent" reflect the poet's refined education and her effort to convey solemnity and grace. The language evokes a sense of dignity and poise, fitting for a farewell poem.
Mood and Tone
The mood of the poem is one of melancholic reflection, combined with a hopeful anticipation of better health and new experiences. The tone is formal and respectful, underscoring the gravity of the farewell and the poet's deep affection for her home and friends.
Context
Written in the late 18th century, the poem reflects Wheatley's personal circumstances and the broader context of her life as an educated slave. Her journey to England was significant not only for her health but also for her literary career, as it led to the publication of her work and increased recognition.
Speaker and Point of View
The speaker is Wheatley herself, addressing both her homeland and Susanna Wheatley. The first-person perspective allows for a personal and intimate expression of her emotions, enhancing the poem's sincerity.
Imagery and Sensory Details
Wheatley employs vivid imagery to depict New England's landscapes and the sea. "New-England's smiling meads" and "the wide-extended main" (I.1, VII.4) create a visual representation of her surroundings, while phrases like "roaring main" and "sweet perfumes" (I.4, VI.4) engage the senses of hearing and smell.
Symbolism and Allegory
The journey across the sea symbolizes Wheatley's transition from one stage of life to another, seeking new opportunities and health. The reference to "Temptation" in the final stanza suggests a moral allegory, emphasizing the need for spiritual resilience.
Sound and Rhythm
The poem's ABAB rhyme scheme and alternating meter create a musical rhythm that underscores the flow of Wheatley's thoughts and emotions. The consistent use of iambic tetrameter and trimeter provides a steady beat, mirroring the undulating motion of the sea.
Syntax and Lineation
Wheatley employs a balanced and orderly syntax, with clear and concise phrasing. Enjambment is used sparingly, allowing each line to stand independently while contributing to the overall coherence of the poem.
Intertextuality
Wheatley's references to classical mythology and her formal style connect her work to the broader literary tradition of the 18th century. Her allusions to figures like Hebe and Phoebus place her poetry within a classical framework, enhancing its literary depth.
Conclusion
"A Farewel to America to Mrs. S. W." by Phillis Wheatley is a poignant expression of departure, blending personal emotion with classical allusions and neoclassical form. Through vivid imagery, formal diction, and a balanced structure, Wheatley captures the sorrow of leaving home and the hope for future health and happiness. The poem reflects her unique position as an educated African American woman in the 18th century, navigating both personal and societal transitions.
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