On Recollection by Phillis Wheatley
The poem explores the theme of memory and its power to shape one's identity. It reflects on the speaker's past experiences and emotions, highlighting the importance of recollection in understanding oneself. The poem is structured around a series of fragmented memories, which are presented as a stream-of-consciousness narrative. The speaker's thoughts are disjointed and often contradictory, reflecting the complexity of human memory. Throughout the poem, the speaker grapples with the nature of truth and how it is shaped by personal experience. They question the reliability of their own recollections and the impact of external influences on their perception of reality. The poem also touches on themes of nostalgia and longing, as the speaker reflects on past loves and losses. The speaker's emotions are intense and often contradictory, reflecting the complexity of human emotion. Ultimately, the poem presents a nuanced exploration of the human experience, highlighting the complexities and contradictions of memory and identity.
By Phillis Wheatley · First published 1773 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious · 543 words
First lines
Mneme begin. Inspire, ye sacred nine, Your vent'rous Afric in her great design.
Mneme, immortal pow'r, I trace thy spring: Assist my strains, while I thy glories sing: The acts of long departed years, by thee
What this Textopian page supports
On Recollection is listed on Textopian as a poem by Phillis Wheatley, dated 1773 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Phillis Wheatley
- Date: 1773 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious, Historical, Didactic
- Length: 543 words
- Structure: 1 section, 27 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- United By The Grace Of Memory by Jorge Mario Bergoglio
- The Monk In His Garden by Helen Hay Whitney
- As Sharp As In My Childhood by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Phillips Brooks by Bliss Carman
- Remembering The Father Is Not Just Another Memory by Jorge Mario Bergoglio
- Age by Helen Hay Whitney
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing meter and rhyme, characteristic of poetic form.
- Philosophical — It explores themes of memory, virtue, and the moral implications of one's actions, reflecting on human experience.
- Religious — The text invokes divine elements and moral guidance, emphasizing the relationship between virtue and spirituality.
- Historical — It reflects on the past and the significance of recollection in understanding one's life and actions.
Tags
memoir · autobiography · poetry · narrative · self-discovery · memory · reflection · personal growth · literary nonfiction · historical significance · African American literature · 18th century literature
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