Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Jupiter Hammon
When you read Jupiter Hammon's "An Address to Miss Phillis Wheatley," I am sure you noticed that Hammon had read some of Wheatley's poems and responded to her in his poem. What Wheatley poems do you think Hammon read, and what is his response to her poetic message? (Only responses posted before class on Tuesday, August 28 will be accepted.)
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14 comments:
The first clue which stuck out to me first when I read Hammon’s poem addressed to Wheatley was in the introductory sentence, “An address to Miss Phillis Wheatly, Ethiopian Poetess…” That word, stuck out because Phyllis refers to herself as an “Ethiop” in “To the University of Cambridge, in New England.” It’s a word which may seem very general at first glance but when you read Hammon’s works you notice that he addresses the land he was taken from as “heathen.” Phyllis does the same thing…but the way she addresses this “pagan” land serves a greater purpose in “On Being Brought from Africa to America.” I don’t think Hammon understood why Wheatley referred to her previous home as “pagan,” she obviously did not mean to undermine her birth place (considering she knew who her audience would be i.e. “Remember Christians, …”) otherwise she would have named the poem “On Being Brought from a Pagan Land to My America”—an ideal which Hammon seems to be very proud of.
I agree with Cassondra with the clues that she states are indicators that Hammon read Wheatley. I think that Hammon's poem, "An Address to Miss Phillis Wheatley" is a detailed response to Wheatley's poem "On Being Brought from Africa to America". In line 13 Hammon says 'God's tender mercy brought thee here' is a direct allusion to the first line of Wheatley's first line, 'Twas mercy brought me from my pagan land'. Wheatley talks abou her soul being taught to understand the teachings of Christ and Hammon goes into detail about the benefits of acknowledging christ as the one who blesses those who seek him.
I agree with both comments made. I see similarities between Hammon's poem and Wheatley's "To the University of Cambridge". We spoke of this as being one of her more evangelical works, and Hammon appears to be addressing Wheatley in a similar way. (She's wishing to convert the pupils, and he's wishing to convert her. He states, "Come you, Phillis, now aspire/and seek the living God", and "I pray the living God may be the shepherd of thy soul" and other such phrases.
I think, as Tiffany has more or less stated, that Wheatley is showing her gratitude for being brought from the "darkness" of her native land and into the "light" of God. Hammon seems to be more focused on what God is capable of if we allow him into our lives. I also see the similarities between this poem and "On Being Brought from Africa".
I also saw the Hammon poem as a response to "On Being Brought from Africa to America." Hammon reinforces many of the ideals that Wheatly sets forth in her poem, mostly concerning Wheatly's views on the Christian faith and Africa as a "pagan" and "heathen" place. Hammon also echoes Wheatly's description of Africa as a "dark abode" as used in "To the University of Cambridge, in New England". The first two stanzas alone convey the idea of God's mercy on Phillis to be brought from her "dark abode" to America where she could learn about Christ which is basically synonymous with”holy word” as used in the Hammon poem.
I agree with the comments made by the ladies before me. I see the Pagan Land that Wheatly uses in her poems and that Hammon uses in his “[An] Address to Miss Phillis Wheatly” in which he talks about the “heathen shore” (p.167). Hammon’s poems most certainly could address several of Wheatly’s poems in terms of content. I think, however, that Hammon’s poems have more in common with “To the University of Cambridge”. In the second stanza of this poem she makes a point to mention Jesus Christ and to go in depth about how he is the way through which these men at Cambridge are to get to Heaven. In Hammon’s “An Evening Thought” the first line of the poem states what Wheatly said the students should follow: “Salvation comes by Jesus Christ alone…love his holy Word.” And later he states it is through Jesus’ blood that men will be saved, “Dear Jesus by thy precious Blood, / The World Redemption have: / Salvation comes now from the Lord”. This line is mirrored by what Wheatly previously wrote when she states that “messengers from heav’n [will tell them]/ How Jesus’ blood for you redemption flows”. While it is expected that Christians will have similar beliefs in things it is just too coincidental that both writers would use such imagery especially with Hammon being inspired by Wheatly. However, I do question Hammon’s inspiration. In his poem “An Address to Miss Phillis Wheatly” obviously the poem is addressed to his contemporary, but I question whether his poem “An Evening Thought” was influenced by Wheatly or if Wheatly was influenced by Hammon. I bring this up by the mere fact of the dates that the poems were written. Hammon’s poem was done in 1760 while Wheatly’s was done in 1773, with Hammon’s poem being published first. It is my belief that both poets were inspired by each other. A very common element in writing is to borrow, elaborate or celebrate other authors so it is very possibly that they both read each other’s works. Does this make sense to anyone else or am I hallucinating?
I agree whole heartedly with Cassondra. The first thing that also popped out to me was the fact that Hammon desrcibed Wheatley as an "Ethiopian Poetess". I thought that - that title was very befitting in that she even called herself an Ethiop in "To the University of Cambridge...". I believe that she refers to herself as this because she is trying to capture her culture as well as the richness and hardships of that particular culture at the same time. I also agree with Tiffany D. in that in Wheatley's poem being brought from Africa to America, in Hammons address to Wheatley he discusses how he was brought over from a land such as what Wheatley described. In lines 13-16, he mentions how God's tender mercies brought Wheatly over to America through the harsh ocean waters and he even states that everything that she has to share is worth all the gold in Spain. Basically he is saying that although she had to endure hrash trials- what she brought to America and all of her wisdom was greatly appreciated. I think Hammon had a true connection while reading Wheatley's poems, therefore he was truly able to express that in his address to her.
One of the most obvious things that was brought to everyone’s attention by all three of the previous posts is the obvious religious vocabulary and tones that is seen in both poems. I do see what Ashley is saying when she states that Hammon appears to be trying to convert her. Even though both are religious I think there is a missing link of communication in which Hammon views Wheatley as straying a little bit from who she is. Thus we see lines such as “come you, Phillis, now aspire, and seek the living God.” Both of these authors are writing about religious experiences and being brought from Africa however, there approach is obviously a bit different. What I do see these two authors having in common is their ability to write but to write with a deeper meaning, one that cannot always be found after just one reading. I also thought the point Laura brought up about the where the inspiration for writing these poems came from and whether Wheatley influenced Hammon or Hammon influenced Wheatley was interesting because after rereading them I am beginning to wonder if Wheatley wasn’t possibly influenced by Hammon. The thing I thought was really unique was the way they were possibly speaking to each other through their poetry, once again showcasing their ability to write with dual meaning.
i loved how laura said that the two poets influenced each other, but i can't help but wonder if they had to... i mean, their Christian faith was strong enough, but they each have their own interpretation of it (within their writings)... take a look at the verse form of each of their poems...Hammon has conversion screaming out all over the page whereas Wheatley's purpose is to reach out to those of another race (Christian or not--especially those who claim to be)I wonder what Hammon thought of Wheatley's neoclassical style i.e. "To Maecenas."
I agree with the comments above that suggest that Hammon is responding to a couple of Wheatley's poems, including "To the University of Cambridge in New England" and "On Being Brought from Africa to America." I think he is particularly responding to the latter of the two. Hammon states over and over God's wisdom in bringing Wheatley from her "heathen shore." This line mimics Phillis's line on the mercy of God in bringing her from her "pagan land." Both poets urge the masses to seek salvation from the Lord and forget about earthly things. Hammon also mimics Wheatley in his thankfulness at being the recepient of salvation. Hammon seems to admire Wheatley very much, and so he designed a poem which would be both a tribute to her and an imitation of her poetry, the highest form of flattery.
August 28, 2007
Following a steadfast belief in a higher being fellow contemporaries, Jupiter and Phillis utilized their creative ingenuity to blast their poetic voice. Quite opposite from their slave brethren who served masters who viewed them as soulless carcasses and mindless vessels, these slaves emerged as members of the privileged, but faithful class. While Phillis constantly thanked God for delivering her from “Pagan” lands, Jupiter a devout Puritan sought to thank God in a more humbled means. In a severe critique of the Ethiopian prodigy, Jupiter chastises Phillis for lacking humility. Instead of Phillis Wheatley thanking God for sparing her “from dangers still unknown” she thanks God for her efforts to achieve “perfection of the word” (20, 36). He seems to portray Phillis as exalting herself in the public eye instead of remembering that she too was apart of the “thousands tossed by the sea” and “thousands mov’d to distant shore” (37). She only, as she mentions in “On Being Brought From Africa to America” exalts the most high for bringing her from the Pagan lands of her home as if those “left behind” as Jupiter mentions, are to be punished from escaping the grasp of the Middle Passage. While the “Ethiop” chastises students in “To The University of Cambridge in New England,” warning them that an “immense perdition” awaits them, Jupiter begs his reader to realize that God’s “mysteries” are yet “to unfold,” so despite her claiming the righteous blood of kings and queens, she cannot possibly fathom God’s grandeur. While Phillis praises an earthly king in “To His Excellency George Washington,” Jupiter encourages her to realize that the praises are only to be given to the most high “by all on earth, incessantly” (83). Phillis is presented in Jupiter’s poem as a boaster who uses her gift from God as a means of dining with the elite, but not for praise as she claims. To which writer is more truthful dear reader? Perhaps it is that Jupiter is incapable of delving into the many folds of Phillis’ prosaic masterpiece thereby painting her in an unfavorable light. Perhaps Jupiter’s poem is a complex vision of the artist whereas Phillis’ three poems discussed in his 84 lines which is divisible by three, three symbolizes a heavenly quandary? Whatever it is, we will save that conversation in another place, a different time, a distant space.
The poem Jupiter Hammon read and responded to seemed to me to be the poem 'On Being Brought from Africa to America'. Hammon addresses the reason God brought her from a distant shore, the first line in OBBAA states how mercy brought Wheatley from her Pagan land. The four lines of Hammon's writing agrees with Wheatley's writing, because they both agree that it was GOD who brought her from her land to learn and understand that there is a GOD and Saviour. Hammon basically takes this common belief and expounds on it to give Wheatley some of the specifics involved with serving and understanding GOD to go along with her knowledge of the basics. Wheatley expresses that she feels that Negroes black as Cain can be refined, and Hammon tells her seek the living GOD so step by step she may go higher and sorry Fab but it says till perfect in the word, which means become more and more Christ-like. On another note, Hammon's poem touched me when he wrote "when thousands muse with earthly toys...seek for heaven's joys, because I personally know many people who have lots of things as far as possessions but do not have the possession of the fact and truth that this earth is not all and their are things more divine than earthly rewards.
Now had I been able to post my comments earlier, my comments would have been very different. Due to my computer illiteracy or bad connection I was unable to.
When I first read this poem I saw it as Jupiter Hammond encouraging her, basically telling her to grow stronger in the Lord so that she may further cultivate the gift of writing that He gave to her. I thought that Hammond was commenting on "To the University of Cambridge" especially when he referred to Wheatley as an 'Ethiopian Poetess' and also because he invoked that same evangelical tone she used. He also made several references to "On Being Brought from Africa to America". As mentioned earlier, I initially thought he was encouraging, praising her devotion to God even, but it also seemed that he was chastising her. After hearing my peers, it became apparent that he was. Hammond was deeply indoctrinated in Puritan dogma and measured Wheatley according to his religious guidelines. He did not deem her as standing up completely to his moral code although her age and gender had more to do with that than her behavior. Wheatley was not humble enough for Hammond; not as a Christian, a woman, and most certainly not as a slave. As I began to listen to and understand my peer’s point of view, I began to see that Hammond may have been warning Wheatley to know her place and to stay in it. If she did not she would risk her soul and her life. Cassondra was right on point when she pointed out “To Maecenas.” That took my understanding of Hammond to another level. In “To Maecenas” Phillis Wheatley is basically flexing her literary muscles. Again she is saying things without actually saying it. She wants to be poet and makes that very clear. To a righteous Puritan like Hammond, she is not being humble and is also out of line. How can she want to be a poet, when she is already a slave? How can she call attention to young, rich white men’s morality? How can she even claim to be as devout as she is at such a young age? Hammond is commenting on all these questions. Seems to me that Hammond just wants to warn his young sister to tread lightly (like a slave) in the white man’s world.
I love that Laura uses the term "mirrors"....so English major! Cassondra, you got my mind roving!! I love all the blogs, I think they present a pristine example of intellectual capability. I'm enjoying this (a little)!
wow, joi is getting it...mann...bravo --i can't say nothing else...u got it
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