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1-Page Summary of His Excellency
This poem was written by Phyllis Wheatley, who is the first female African-American poet to have published work. The poem was sent to George Washington when he received his post as Commander-in-Chief of the Armies of North America. It consists of 5 stanzas and 42 lines that draw on her difficult origins: Wheatley was sold into slavery as a child before she moved to North America. In this poem, she subtly undermines contemporary power dynamics because it urges Washington and his almost entirely white male associates to fight for their freedom from British rule without directly referencing her own struggles, which are related to race and gender issues.
The poem begins with the author addressing a celestial choir and stating her intention to write about America’s glorious struggles. She personifies Columbia, America’s classic female heroine, as she depicts her vulnerability and anxiousness when it comes to the future of its country. She also addresses Mother Earth who is waiting for her children’s fate in this new world they have created. The speaker acknowledges that what has happened before is unprecedented; there has never been anything like this before.
The second stanza is brief. It describes Columbia as a symbol of peace and accomplishment, decorated with olive and laurel. In the third stanza, she calls her a muse or goddess of inspiration, whose numerous armies are described in detail. Nature has her back; the speaker compares war to something worthy of grace and glory. War is portrayed as a virtuous pursuit that will be memorialized in stories and poetry.
In the fourth stanza, the author portrays Columbia as invincible. She says that the outcome of her victory is certain and that she will be victorious in all future wars. The British are portrayed as slow and clumsy, while Washington is described as a great leader who has been chosen by God. He’s urged to fight because he knows he’s on the right side and his victory will bring him glory. In the final stanza, there is an invocation for war with Britain so Washington can gain power and become king.
The language in Phillis Wheatley’s poem “To His Excellency General Washington” is very formal, and it seems like she was trying to hide the fact that blacks had no freedoms. Nevertheless, her positive portrayal of George Washington foreshadowed his success in establishing the United States.
