Colonial American poetry had a distinctive style, and Phillis Wheatley adopted many features of this style, including its use of highly formal language, frequent references to Greek mythology, and meditation on religious themes. Still, Wheatley also made these poetic forms her own, expressing personal feelings and aspirations unique to her situation.
Wheatley often used imagery of the Sun to represent the God of her adopted Christian faith. In the poem you're about to read, she reflects on the ways that the unseen light of God manifests in the order of earthly days and seasons.
As you read the first stanza below, try to identify some of the elements of Wheatley's literary style.
Arise, my soul, on wings enraptur'd, rise
To praise the monarch of the earth and skies,
Whose goodness and beneficence appear
As round its centre moves the rolling year,
Or when the morning glows with rosy charms,
Or the sun slumbers in the ocean's arms:
Of light divine be a rich portion lent
To guide my soul, and favor my intent.
Celestial muse, my arduous flight sustain,
And raise my mind to a seraphic strain!
Question
How does Wheatley's highly formal style relate to her subject matter?
