Poet's Corner

Explanation: To His Excellency, General Washington

Line 1

Celestial choir is the poet's muse, a device of neoclassicism. The muse is called on to inspire the poet's writing.
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Line 2

"Columbia" was a term Wheatley used for America, later used by other writers.
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Line 3

"Freedom's cause" is the central theme of the poem, the struggle of the colonists to be free from England, even if it meant going to war against the more powerful British.
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Line 4

In this context, "dreadful" means "inspiring awe or reverence," "in refulgent arms" means "in brilliant defense." In this sense, Columbia (America) is portrayed in righteous terms for standing up against England.
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Lines 5-6

The speaker of the poem points out that other countries are watching something unique occurring in the uprising. And as it turns out, the American Revolution directly inspired the French Revolution.
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Lines 7-8

Heaven is affected by the struggle in a sorrowful way.
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Lines 9-12

The poet describes the goddess of Freedom coming down from the heavens to become involved in the war. The ancient Greeks would use laurel to crown the victors in their games. An olive branch is a symbol of peace.
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Lines 13-14

The poet calls on the muse again to be favorably disposed to inspire the poet in the retelling of the battles the American armies are going through.
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Lines 15-19

The poet, through a simile, compares the American forces' battles to the power of Eolus, king of the winds.
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Line 20

The "train" is the troops in file, as lining up in military formation.
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Lines 21-22

The "ensign" is a flag decorated in national colors, or emblems, relating to the army displaying it. In this case, it would have been decorated with an emblem of the colonial armies sewn on it.
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Lines 23-25

"Thee" is Washington, and the phrase "first in peace" is the most famous phrase in the poem, used later by Congress at Washington's funeral. There is some argument as to whether Wheatley wrote "first in peace" or "first in place" , since, as Commander-in-Chief of the army, Washington would naturally be "first in place" over all the troops. Both versions have been published.
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Lines 26-29

In 1620, a little over one hundred years before the writing of this poem, the Pilgrims first landed at Plymouth Rock.
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Line 30

France was considered a strong country, skilled at warfare, "Gallic" referring to the French.
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Lines 31-32

The speaker considers America's efforts sanctioned by heaven, and warns against those, such as England, who war against her.
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Lines 33-34

The poet suggests the whole world is watching the outcome of the war, seeing which way the power may shift, hoping it may be toward the new nation.
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Lines 35-38

England is described as old and tired, responsible for many deaths, inspired by a thirst for power. The colonists first tried to reason with England but had to settle for war to gain their independence.
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Lines 39-42

The poet encourages Washington to continue his objective in gaining freedom for the colonists, and she argues that the goddess of Freedom is guiding his actions. If he follows the goddess and her virtue, the poet suggests that Washington will win the war and become the head of the new state.
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Source: Exploring Poetry, Gale, 1997.