On Imagination by Phillis Wheatley
The poem explores the concept of imagination and its role in shaping reality. It argues that imagination has the power to create new worlds and possibilities, but also acknowledges its limitations and potential for deception. The speaker reflects on the relationship between imagination and truth, suggesting that while imagination can inspire creativity and innovation, it must be grounded in reality to avoid descending into fantasy or madness.
By Phillis Wheatley · First published 1773 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 590 words
First lines
Thy various works, imperial queen, we see, How bright their forms! how deck'd with pomp by thee!
Thy wond'rous acts in beauteous order stand, And all attest how potent is thine hand.
What this Textopian page supports
On Imagination 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: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Philosophical, Nature Writing
- Length: 590 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering On Imagination?
- How does this poem by Phillis Wheatley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
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- Wordsworth In Praise Of Poets by Henry Van Dyke
- Wordsworth by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Sublime Type by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
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- Intimations Of The Beautiful by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing meter and rhyme, characteristic of poetic form.
- Romanticism — Themes of imagination, nature, and emotional expression align with the Romantic movement.
- Lyric — The work expresses personal feelings and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
- Philosophical — Explores concepts of imagination and thought, reflecting on their significance.
Tags
Philosophy · Imagination · Poetry · Literary Theory · 18th Century Literature · American Literature · Feminist Thought · Creative Writing · Intellectual History · Cultural Studies · Aesthetics · Mind and Body
More by Phillis Wheatley
- To Maecenas (1733)
- On Virtue (1773)
- To the University of Cambridge, in New-England (1737)
- To the King's most Excellent Majesty. 1768 (1773)
- On being Brought from Africa to America (1773)
- On the Death of the Rev. Dr. Sewell. 1769 (1773)
- On the Death of the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield. 1770 (1770)
- On the Death of a Young Lady of Five Years of Age (1773)
- All works by Phillis Wheatley