Phillis Wheatley’s poem “Virtue” reflects her deep thoughts about the concept of virtue, presenting it as a powerful, almost divine force that guides and protects individuals, especially in their youthful years. Written in the 18th century, Wheatley’s poem captures her spiritual perspective, where virtue is personified as a heavenly figure, guiding the soul away from temptations and toward a life of purity and eternal bliss.

Summary of “Virtue”by Phillis Wheatley

The poem begins with the speaker addressing a figure she describes as a “bright jewel.” This jewel represents the essence of virtue, a quality that is highly valuable and precious. The speaker tries to understand this concept of virtue but finds it difficult to grasp fully, comparing it to wisdom, which she says is beyond the reach of fools. It seems that the speaker acknowledges her limitations in understanding the full depth of virtue, admitting that she cannot explore its heights or fully comprehend its profound nature.

Next, the speaker turns inward, addressing her own soul. She tells her soul not to fall into despair just because it cannot fully understand virtue. The speaker reassures her soul that virtue is nearby, hovering over her like a protective presence. She describes virtue as a comforting force, personified as a gentle figure that wants to embrace her soul and guide it toward goodness. The speaker encourages her soul to seek out this comforting presence of virtue, suggesting that if the soul courts or pursues virtue, it will receive the bliss that virtue promises. This section of the poem emphasizes the closeness of virtue and its willingness to guide and protect those who seek it.

In the second stanza, the speaker continues to personify virtue, now addressing it as a queen with wings, calling on it to spread those wings and lead another important quality—chastity—alongside her. Chastity is depicted as a divine and celestial trait, reinforcing the idea that virtue is not just about moral goodness but also about maintaining purity and resisting worldly temptations. The speaker imagines virtue descending from the heavens, accompanied by a sacred retinue or group of divine beings, all clothed in the glory of the stars and the celestial orbs above.

As the poem progresses, the speaker appeals directly to virtue, asking it to guide her throughout her youthful years. She expresses a desire for virtue’s guidance to keep her away from the “false joys of time,” which refers to the fleeting and deceptive pleasures of the world that do not lead to true happiness or fulfillment. Instead, the speaker wants virtue to lead her toward an eternal life filled with true bliss and happiness, which she believes can only be achieved through a virtuous life. This request underscores the speaker’s longing for a life that transcends temporary pleasures and focuses on long-term spiritual fulfillment.

The speaker also grapples with how to address virtue, questioning whether to call it “greatness” or “goodness” and seeking an even higher name that would capture its true essence. She wants virtue to teach her how to express its greatness in a more noble way, hoping for a better understanding that would allow her to sing or speak of virtue in a more elevated and refined manner. The poem ends with the speaker envisioning virtue enthroned with cherubs—small angelic beings—in the heavenly realms, highlighting the divine and exalted nature of virtue in the speaker’s view.

Virtue by Phillis Wheatley Analysis

Phillis Wheatley’s “Virtue” is a poem rich in religious imagery and explores the intersection of morality, spirituality, and personal growth. The poem is structured in two stanzas, with the first focusing on the speaker’s attempt to understand virtue and its profound nature, and the second delving into the role of virtue in guiding and protecting the speaker’s soul. Wheatley uses personification extensively throughout the poem, turning the abstract concept of virtue into a tangible, queen-like figure that can interact with the speaker’s soul.

The poem reflects Wheatley’s Christian background and her belief in the importance of leading a virtuous life. For Wheatley, virtue is not just a personal quality but a divine force that can help individuals resist temptation and stay on the right path. This is particularly relevant to the speaker’s youth, a time often associated with temptation and the struggle to maintain moral integrity. By appealing to virtue, the speaker seeks protection from these dangers, asking virtue to keep her chaste and pure.

One of the key elements of the poem is the contrast between earthly temptations and the promise of eternal bliss. The “false joys of time” refer to the fleeting pleasures that can distract individuals from their spiritual goals. Wheatley suggests that these pleasures are ultimately unfulfilling and pale in comparison to the lasting happiness that comes from living a virtuous life. This theme resonates throughout the poem, as the speaker continually seeks virtue’s guidance to avoid these distractions and focus on the path to eternal life.

Wheatley’s language also emphasizes the nobility and grandeur of virtue, describing it as an auspicious queen with heavenly pinions or wings. This imagery elevates virtue beyond a mere moral concept, portraying it as a majestic and almost royal presence that commands respect and reverence. The speaker’s humble tone, acknowledging her own limitations in understanding virtue, further highlights the awe-inspiring nature of this quality.

The poem also touches on the tension between human frailty and the aspiration for greatness. The speaker’s request for virtue to teach her a “nobler lay” or better way to express its greatness reflects her desire for personal growth and spiritual enlightenment. She wants to rise above her current state and achieve a higher level of understanding, guided by the divine wisdom that virtue embodies.

In conclusion, Phillis Wheatley’s “Virtue” is a poem that celebrates the power and importance of leading a virtuous life. Through vivid imagery and personification, Wheatley presents virtue as a guiding force that can help individuals navigate the challenges of life, especially during youth. The poem encourages readers to seek out virtue, resist temporary pleasures, and strive for a life of moral integrity and spiritual fulfillment. Wheatley’s deep sense of spirituality and her belief in the transformative power of virtue shine through in this reflective and thought-provoking work.