An Hymn to the Evening

Name: An Hymn to the Evening
Author: Phillis Wheatley

The poem is a meditation on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of human existence. It begins by describing the beauty of the evening sky, with its vibrant colors and tranquil atmosphere. The speaker then reflects on the transience of life, comparing it to the brief duration of a sunset. As the poem progresses, the speaker's tone becomes increasingly melancholic, lamenting the loss of youth and vitality that comes with age. The poem concludes by expressing a sense of resignation and acceptance, acknowledging that all things must come to an end. The poem is characterized by its use of classical allusions and poetic devices, such as metaphor and personification. The speaker's voice is introspective and contemplative, inviting the reader to reflect on their own mortality.

By Phillis Wheatley · First published 1773 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Religious Poetry, Nature Poetry · 198 words

First lines

Soon as the sun forsook the eastern main

The pealing thunder shook the heav'nly plain; Majestic grandeur! From the zephyr's wing, Exhales the incense of the blooming spring.

Soft purl the streams, the birds renew their notes, And through the air their mingled music floats.

Through all the heav'ns what beauteous dies are spread!

What this Textopian page supports

An Hymn to the Evening is listed on Textopian as a poem by Phillis Wheatley, dated 1773 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Phillis Wheatley
Date: 1773 CE
Language: English
Genres: Lyric Poetry, Religious Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romanticism, Elegiac Poetry
Length: 198 words
Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for An Hymn to the Evening by Phillis Wheatley
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering An Hymn to the Evening?
How does this poem by Phillis Wheatley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Religious Poetry — The themes of praise and spirituality indicate a strong religious influence.
Nature Poetry — The vivid descriptions of natural elements and the evening sky highlight a focus on nature.
Romanticism — The emphasis on emotion, nature, and individual experience aligns with Romantic ideals.