On the Death of Dr. Samuel Marshall. 1771
The poem mourns the death of a prominent physician and friend to the poet, using classical allusions and imagery to convey the speaker's grief and sense of loss. The speaker reflects on the doctor's virtues and accomplishments, highlighting his compassion, wisdom, and dedication to his patients. The poem also touches on themes of mortality, the fleeting nature of human life, and the importance of cherishing relationships with others.
By Phillis Wheatley · First published 1773 · Genre: Elegy, Lyric Poetry, Tribute · 304 words
First lines
Through thickest glooms look back, immortal shade, On that confusion which thy death has made: Or from Olympus' height look down, and see
A Town involv'd in grief bereft of thee.
What this Textopian page supports
On the Death of Dr. Samuel Marshall. 1771 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: Elegy, Lyric Poetry, Tribute, Religious Poetry, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 304 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for On the Death of Dr. Samuel Marshall. 1771 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 On the Death of Dr. Samuel Marshall. 1771?
- How does this poem by Phillis Wheatley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Elegy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- On The Death Of The Rev Mr George Whitefield 1770 by Phillis Wheatley
- On The Death Of The Rev Dr Sewell 1769 by Phillis Wheatley
- To The Honourable T H Esq On The Death Of His Daughter by Phillis Wheatley
- In Memoriam by James Mcintyre
- Epitaph On Thomas Parnell by Oliver Goldsmith
- Charles H Phillips Obit November 5th 1881 by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Elegy — The work mourns the death of an individual, expressing deep sorrow and reflection on loss.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem conveys personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Tribute — It serves as a tribute to the deceased, highlighting their virtues and impact on the community.
- Religious Poetry — The poem references themes of immortality and the afterlife, indicating a spiritual dimension.
Tags
Elegy · Poetry · Mourning · Death · Loss · Grief · Tribute · Biography · Historical · American Literature · 18th Century · Colonial Era
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