General Introduction
"An Hymn to Humanity" is a poem by Phyllis Wheatley, an African American poet who was the first published African American female poet in the United States. Born in West Africa and sold into slavery as a child, Wheatley was brought to America where she was educated by her owners. Her style is heavily influenced by neoclassical conventions, often employing elevated diction and classical references. "An Hymn to Humanity" reflects Wheatley's deep religious convictions and her appreciation of the divine in the human experience. The poem was written during a period of intense personal and societal transformation, both in Wheatley's life and in the American colonies.
An Hymn to Humanity by Phyllis Wheatley
I.
Lo! for this dark terrestrial ball
Forsakes his azure-paved hall
A prince of heav'nly birth!
Divine Humanity behold,
What wonders rise, what charms unfold
At his descent to earth!
II.
The bosoms of the great and good
With wonder and delight he view'd,
And fix'd his empire there:
Him, close compressing to his breast,
The sire of gods and men address'd,
"My son, my heav'nly fair!
III.
"Descend to earth, thereplace thy throne;
"To succour man's afflicted son
"Each human heart inspire:
"To act in bounties unconfin'd
"Enlarge the close contracted mind,
"And fill it with thy fire."
IV.
Quick as the word, with swift career
He wings his course from star to star,
And leaves the bright abode.
The Virtue did his charms impart;
Their G-----! then thy raptur'd heart
Perceiv'd the rushing God:
V.
For when thy pitying eye did see
The languid muse in low degree,
Then, then at thy desire
Descended the celestial nine;
O'er memethought they deign'd to shine,
And deign'd to string my lyre.
VI.
Can Afric's muse forgetful prove?
Or can such friendship fail to move
A tender human heart?
Immortal Friendship laurel-crown'd
The smiling Graces all surround
With ev'ry heav'nly Art.
Title
The title "An Hymn to Humanity" suggests a celebratory or reverent poem dedicated to the essence of human nature. "Hymn" indicates a song of praise, often religious in nature, hinting that the poem will explore themes of divinity and moral excellence within humanity. The title sets a tone of admiration and spiritual reflection.
Themes
1. Divine Intervention:
- "Divine Humanity behold, / What wonders rise, what charms unfold / At his descent to earth!" These lines highlight the theme of divine beings descending to aid and inspire humanity, portraying a celestial prince bringing divine virtues to mankind.
2. The Majesty of Virtue:
- "The bosoms of the great and good / With wonder and delight he view'd." Wheatley extols the presence of divine virtue in noble and good people, suggesting that human greatness is intertwined with divine inspiration.
3. Human Elevation:
- "To succour man's afflicted son / Each human heart inspire." The poem emphasizes the uplifting of humanity through divine influence, promoting the idea that human hearts can be expanded and enlightened by divine virtues.
4. The Power of Friendship and Art:
- "Immortal Friendship laurel-crown'd / The smiling Graces all surround / With ev'ry heav'nly Art." Wheatley celebrates the enduring power of friendship and the arts as divine gifts that enrich human life.
5. Acknowledgment of Patronage:
- "For when thy pitying eye did see / The languid muse in low degree." This theme highlights gratitude toward those who recognize and uplift the talents and potential of others, reflecting Wheatley's own experience with her patrons.
Structure and Form
The poem is structured in six stanzas, each consisting of six lines with a regular rhyme scheme (AABCCB). This formal structure is typical of neoclassical poetry, emphasizing order and harmony. The poem's meter is primarily iambic, lending a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its hymn-like quality.
Literary Devices
1. Imagery:
- "Azure-paved hall" evokes a vivid image of a celestial palace, emphasizing the divine origin of the poem’s subject.
2. Personification:
- "The bosoms of the great and good / With wonder and delight he view'd." Here, virtues are personified as having the capacity to observe and be delighted.
3. Allusion:
- "The sire of gods and men address'd." This line alludes to classical mythology, where Jupiter (or Zeus) is often referred to as the father of gods and men.
4. Metaphor:
- "Enlarge the close contracted mind." This metaphor suggests the expansion of human understanding and compassion through divine influence.
5. Apostrophe:
- "O'er memethought they deign'd to shine." Wheatley directly addresses the celestial beings, a common rhetorical device in poetry to invoke a sense of immediacy and intimacy.
6. Symbolism:
- "Laurel-crown'd" symbolizes victory and honor, traditionally associated with poets and their divine inspiration.
Language and Diction
Wheatley employs elevated diction characteristic of neoclassical poetry, with formal language that reflects the high esteem in which she holds her subjects. Words like "azure," "divine," and "immortal" contribute to the lofty tone and emphasize the poem’s spiritual and moral themes.
Mood and Tone
The mood of the poem is reverent and admiring, while the tone is celebratory and respectful. Wheatley’s choice of diction and her formal structure contribute to a tone that honors both the divine and human elements of her themes.
Context
"An Hymn to Humanity" was written during the late 18th century, a time when Enlightenment ideals were influencing thought across the Western world. Wheatley’s work reflects the period’s emphasis on reason, morality, and the potential for human improvement. Her status as an educated African American woman in a time of slavery adds a layer to the poem’s celebration of human potential and divine influence.
Speaker and Point of View
The speaker in the poem appears to be a knowledgeable and reverent observer, possibly Wheatley herself, who reflects on the divine qualities bestowed upon humanity. The perspective is that of someone who deeply values both divine inspiration and human virtue.
Imagery and Sensory Details
Wheatley uses vivid imagery to convey the splendor of the divine and its impact on humanity. Phrases like "azure-paved hall" and "wings his course from star to star" create a celestial backdrop, enhancing the spiritual and transcendent themes of the poem.
Symbolism and Allegory
The poem is rich with symbols, such as "laurel-crown'd" representing honor and "azure-paved hall" symbolizing the heavens. While the poem does not function as an extended allegory, its symbols underscore the moral and spiritual messages.
Sound and Rhythm
The regular rhyme scheme and iambic meter give the poem a musical quality, fitting for a hymn. The use of alliteration and consonance also enhances the poem’s sonic appeal, contributing to its rhythmic flow.
Syntax and Lineation
Wheatley uses complex sentence structures and formal syntax, typical of neoclassical poetry. The use of enjambment in lines like "Quick as the word, with swift career / He wings his course from star to star," creates a sense of movement and urgency, aligning with the poem’s themes of divine intervention.
Intertextuality
Wheatley’s poem alludes to classical mythology and Christian theology, blending elements of both traditions to create a rich tapestry of references that deepen the poem’s exploration of virtue and divine influence.
In "An Hymn to Humanity," Phyllis Wheatley masterfully combines classical and religious elements to celebrate the divine qualities within humanity, reflecting her own experiences and the broader Enlightenment ideals of her time.
Conclusion
"An Hymn to Humanity" by Phyllis Wheatley is a profound celebration of the divine virtues within humanity, reflecting her neoclassical style and deep religious convictions. Through her use of elevated diction, formal structure, and rich imagery, Wheatley conveys a sense of reverence and admiration for the divine intervention that elevates human nature. The poem's themes of divine inspiration, the majesty of virtue, human elevation, the power of friendship and art, and the acknowledgment of patronage, resonate deeply with Wheatley's own life experiences as an African American poet in the 18th century.
The poem’s formal structure and rhythmic qualities enhance its hymn-like quality, while Wheatley's use of literary devices such as personification, metaphor, and symbolism, enrich its layers of meaning. The elevated language and respectful tone further underscore the poem’s themes, creating an atmosphere of reverence and admiration.
Ultimately, "An Hymn to Humanity" is not just a reflection of Wheatley’s personal faith and intellectual environment but also a testament to the universal potential for greatness and virtue within every human heart. Her work remains a powerful reminder of the enduring influence of divine virtues and the transformative power of friendship, art, and inspiration in human life.
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