Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral · Chapter
To a Gentleman on His Voyage to Great-Britain for the Recovery of His Health explained
The speaker addresses a gentleman (R—) who is traveling to Great Britain to recover his health.
What happens
The speaker addresses a gentleman (R—) who is traveling to Great Britain to recover his health. The poem contrasts typical poetic themes of idyllic scenes with a more urgent, personal plea for the healing powers of the sea and divine intervention. The speaker invokes the ocean's past miracles and ultimately acknowledges that true aid comes from God, the 'Ruler of the skies.'
Themes in this chapter
Divine Providence and Nature
The poem emphasizes that the ocean's healing power is ultimately derived from God, who controls nature and grants recovery.
Virtue and Moral Guidance
The speaker's concern for the gentleman's health and the appeal to divine aid reflect moral and virtuous care for another's well-being.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The speaker who addresses the gentleman and invokes the sea and divine power.
- Phillis Wheatley
Author of the poem, writing in the voice of the narrator.
Key passages
“While others chant of gay Elysian scenes, Of balmy zephyrs, and of flow’ry plains, My song more happy speaks a greater name, Feels higher motives and a nobler flame.”
Other poets write about pleasant, mythical landscapes, but my poem is about a more important subject and is inspired by loftier goals.
The speaker distinguishes this poem from conventional pastoral poetry, elevating its purpose.
“Thy life impair’d commands thee to arise, Leave these bleak regions, and inclement skies, Where chilling winds return the winter past, And nature shudders at the furious blast.”
Your weakened health requires you to leave this harsh, cold climate where winter seems to linger and nature itself trembles.
The speaker urges the gentleman to depart for a healthier environment.
“But unavailing, frantic is the dream To hope thine aid without the aid of him Who gave thee birth and taught thee where to flow, And in thy waves his various blessings show.”
It is a futile and irrational hope to expect help from the ocean without also seeking help from God, who created the sea and directs its course, displaying his blessings in its waves.
The speaker emphasizes that divine power is the ultimate source of healing, not nature alone.