# XI 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 expresses a willingness to leave New England for Britannia, finding joy in the prospect of seeing her divine charms again.

## Themes in this chapter

### Freedom and Enslavement

The act of resigning New England's fields for Britannia may imply a choice or constraint related to freedom and allegiance.

## Character check-ins

### Britannia

The speaker addresses Britannia directly, resigning New England's fields for her.

### Unknown Narrator

The speaker expresses personal joy and resignation for Britannia.

## Key lines

> For thee, Britannia, I resign New-England’s smiling fields; To view again her charms divine, What joy the prospect yields!

For you, Britannia, I give up the pleasant landscapes of New England; the thought of seeing your divine beauty again brings me great happiness.

_The speaker expresses a joyful sacrifice for the sake of Britannia._

## Links

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