Adieu, the flow'ry plain:
I leave thine op'ning charms, O spring,
And tempt the roaring main.
- Phillis Whealey, A Farewell To America To Mrs. S.W.
---
Analysis
For living the life
of a slave, Phillis could be considered lucky in her own right.
Conisdered more of a relative than worker, Phillis' talents were not
only encouraged by her masters but applauded. This allowed Phillis to
rightly enjoy many passions held by artists, and we see particularly
a wanderlust in this piece. While Phillis admired her home in Boston
greatly, the chance for travel and adventure lead to the possibility
of new inspiration. Like any artist adventure fueled Phillis'
imagination with this poem. A luxury most slaves would not have had
the privilege of, most never leaving their master's home.
~ Lacie Lussier
No comments:
Post a Comment