# An Hymn to Humanity explained — Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral

> Chapter companion for Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral by Phillis Wheatley.

## What happens

The poem celebrates the descent of divine Humanity to earth, inspiring virtue, friendship, and artistic creation. It addresses S.P.G. Esq., acknowledging his pity for the languid muse and the resulting inspiration that allows the poet to string her lyre, while affirming the enduring power of friendship and gratitude.

## Themes in this chapter

### Divine Providence and Nature

The descent of a 'prince of heav’nly birth' to earth and the command to inspire human hearts reflects divine intervention in the natural world.

### Virtue and Moral Guidance

The poem emphasizes the virtues of humanity, friendship, and bountiful acts, urging the enlargement of the mind and heart.

### Classical and Biblical Allusion

References to the 'celestial nine' (Muses) and the 'sire of gods and men' (Jove) draw on classical mythology to frame the poem's spiritual and artistic themes.

## Character check-ins

### Phillis Wheatley

The poet who receives inspiration and strings her lyre, identified as 'Afric's muse'.

### Jove

The 'sire of gods and men' who addresses his son, commanding him to descend to earth.

### Unknown Narrator

The speaker who observes the descent of divine Humanity and addresses S.P.G. Esq.

## Key lines

> Lo! for this dark terrestrial ball Forsakes his azure-paved hall A prince of heav’nly birth!

Behold! A heavenly prince leaves his bright celestial home for this dark earthly world.

_Describes the incarnation or descent of divine Humanity to earth._

> Can Afric’s muse forgetful prove? Or can such friendship fail to move A tender human heart?

Could the muse from Africa ever be ungrateful? Could such friendship fail to touch a compassionate human heart?

_Wheatley asserts her identity as an African poet and questions whether she could forget the kindness shown to her._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/an-hymn-to-humanity
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters