to his excellency, general Washington by phillis wheatley: do you think that Columbia and general Washington are worthy subjects of the poets praise? explain
What did they do that deserves praise? What did they do that was good and honorable and helpful to others?
Is it good if I just say they both did great things
To determine whether Columbia and General Washington are worthy subjects of the poet's praise in "To His Excellency, General Washington" by Phillis Wheatley, we need to analyze the content of the poem and understand the context in which it was written.
First, let's consider the background. Phillis Wheatley was an African-American poet who lived during the American Revolutionary War era. She was enslaved and purchased by the Wheatley family in Boston, who recognized her talent and educated her. Wheatley's poem, "To His Excellency, General Washington," was written in 1775 as a tribute to George Washington, the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.
In the poem, Wheatley praises both Columbia and General Washington. To determine their worthiness as subjects of the poet's praise, we need to evaluate the qualities attributed to them and understand their significance in the context of the Revolutionary War.
Columbia, in this poem, represents the United States of America. Wheatley depicts Columbia as a warrior nation, engaged in a just cause for freedom and independence. She presents a vision of Columbia as a land of liberty and opportunity, invoking imagery of a glorious future for the nation.
General Washington, on the other hand, is hailed as the leader of the continental forces, the embodiment of strength and valor. Wheatley portrays him as the savior and protector of Columbia. She highlights his leadership qualities, courage, dedication, and sacrifice in fighting for the American cause.
Considering this, the poem asserts that Columbia and General Washington are indeed worthy subjects of the poet's praise. Wheatley views America as a land worth fighting for, a nation aspiring to freedom and greatness. She sees General Washington as the epitome of American values and the hero who can lead the nation to victory.
To summarize, the worthiness of Columbia and General Washington as subjects of the poet's praise in "To His Excellency, General Washington" relies on their representation of the American cause and their qualities as depicted by Phillis Wheatley. Understanding the context of the Revolutionary War and the ideals of the time helps us analyze and appreciate the poet's perspective.