# I explained — Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral

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

## What happens

The speaker calls upon the tyrannical sea god Aeolus to be still and not frown while Susanna travels safely across the water amid raging tempests and thunder.

## Themes in this chapter

### Divine Providence and Nature

The poem invokes the power of natural forces (tempests, thunder) and appeals to a divine-like authority over the sea to ensure safe passage.

## Character check-ins

### Susanna

The beloved figure for whom safe passage is sought across the stormy sea.

### Aeolus

Addressed as the tyrant of the main, whose thunders and tempests are commanded to be still.

## Key lines

> While raging tempests shake the shore, While Aelus’ thunders round us roar, And sweep impetuous o’er the plain Be still, O tyrant of the main; Nor let thy brow contracted frowns betray, While my Susanna skims the wat’ry way.

Even as violent storms batter the coast and Aeolus's thunder crashes around us, sweeping fiercely across the land, calm yourself, cruel ruler of the sea; do not show your displeasure with a furrowed brow, while my Susanna glides across the water.

_The speaker commands the storm god to relent so that Susanna may travel safely._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/i
- 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