To a Clergyman on the Death of his Lady

Name: To a Clergyman on the Death of his Lady
Author: Phillis Wheatley

The poem is a lamentation of the clergyman's loss and a tribute to his deceased wife. It explores themes of grief, mortality, and the afterlife. The speaker expresses sorrow at the clergyman's bereavement and acknowledges the depth of their love for one another. The poem also touches on the idea that death is not an end, but rather a transition to a better life.

By Phillis Wheatley · First published 1773 · Genre: Elegy, Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry · 511 words

First lines

Where contemplation finds her sacred spring, Where heav'nly music makes the arches ring, Where virtue reigns unsully'd and divine, Where wisdom thron'd, and all the graces shine, There sits thy spouse amidst the radiant throng, While praise eternal warbles from her tongue; There choirs angelic shout her welcome round, With perfect bliss, and peerless glory crown'd.

While thy dear mate, to flesh no more confin'd, Exults a blest, an heav'n-ascended mind, Say in thy breast shall floods of sorrow rise?

What this Textopian page supports

To a Clergyman on the Death of his Lady 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: Elegy, Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Didactic Poetry, Romantic Poetry
Length: 511 words
Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Elegy — The work expresses sorrow and mourning for the loss of a loved one, characteristic of elegiac poetry.
Religious Poetry — The themes of divine comfort, immortality, and spiritual transcendence are central to the poem.
Lyric Poetry — The poem conveys personal emotions and reflections, typical of lyric poetry.
Didactic Poetry — The poem imparts moral and spiritual lessons about grief and the afterlife.