On the Death of the Rev. Dr. Sewell. 1769
The poem mourns the death of a clergyman and friend to the poet, using biblical imagery and themes to express grief and admiration for his character. It highlights his virtues, faith, and dedication to his community, while also acknowledging the pain of his passing. The tone is somber and reflective, with a focus on the enduring legacy of the deceased.
By Phillis Wheatley · First published 1773 · Genre: Elegy, Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry · 595 words
First lines
Ere yet the morn its lovely blushes spread, / See Sewell number'd with the happy dead.
Hail, holy man, arriv'd th' immortal shore, / Though we shall hear thy warning voice no more.
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Genres
- Elegy — The work mourns the death of a revered figure, reflecting on themes of loss and remembrance.
- Religious Poetry — It expresses deep spiritual themes, focusing on faith, salvation, and the afterlife.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem conveys personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Didactic Poetry — It aims to instruct the audience on moral and spiritual lessons through the life of the deceased.
Tags
Elegy · Poetry · Mourning · Tribute · Biographical · Historical · American Literature · 18th Century · Colonial Era · Slavery · African American · Female Authorship
What this Textopian page supports
On the Death of the Rev. Dr. Sewell. 1769 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, Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Didactic Poetry, Tribute
- Length: 595 words
- Structure: 1 section, 25 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for On the Death of the Rev. Dr. Sewell. 1769 by Phillis Wheatley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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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. Mr. George Whitefield. 1770 (1770)
- On the Death of a Young Lady of Five Years of Age (1773)
- On the Death of a Young Gentleman (1773)
- All works by Phillis Wheatley