The Ethereal Plain

Gustavo Quintero
English 48A
October 19, 2007
Journal #16 Phillis Wheatley

Quote:
"Cease, gentle muse! the solemn gloom of night
Now seals the fair creation from my sight." (Wheatley 761)

Summary:
It seems that Wheatley is once again referring to Scipio Moorhead as a vessel used by God to communicate his word. Only this time it is not written word but rather painted images.

Response:
This poem is a very complex poem full of ideas and images. I do not know if i am on the right track with my interpretation but I will try to explain what I think this poem is about. One quick item I thought was interesting, Scipio Moorheads only surviving work is a portrait of Phillis Wheatley which she later used as a cover for her poetry book. This makes it seem like there was a special connection between Moorhead and Wheatley.
There is a feeling in the poem that someone is dying or is about to die. Wheatley conjures up the image of heaven quite a bit in this poem. Although she may have served as a inspiration for Moorhead she feels like his work may be from the hand of God. She also says how his work is so holy and beautiful that it will immortalize him as one of the greatest black artists. I do find this a bit ironic because not much information is known about Moorhead and aside form the fact that only on piece of his work survives.
The quote above is an sad realization from Whaetley that once Moorhead passes away and reaches Heavan that she will be deprived of his artwork. All the darkness that is embedded in the words of this poem give the poem a melancholy tone. Wheatley is dreading the day that either she passes away or he passes away. She wants to be able to view his artwork forever.