To His Excellency, General Washington

P. 150

1. Build Vocabulary: What is the definition "celestial"?

2. What goddess is America personified as? (Footnote #1) Where do you think this name derived from?

3. Build Vocabulary: What is the meaning of "refulgent"?

4. Look at line 10, what do you think the olive branch and laurel symbolize?

5. According to footnote #2, what is a muse?

6. Build Vocabulary: What is the meaning of "propitious"?

7. According to footnote #3, who is "Eolus"?

8. Look at line 15, the words, "heaven's fair face," are an example of what literary device?

P. 151

9. What is the "ensign"? (footnote #4)

10. Interpret: Speculate why Wheatley calls America's fight for freedom a "heaven-defended race."

11. Who does the term "Gallic" refer to? (footnote #5)

12. Who does the term "Britannia" refer to (footnote #6)

P. 151 (Check Your Comprehension)

13. To whom is the poem addressed?

14. Whom does the speaker praise?

15. Which two nations does the speaker describe as being in military opposition to America?

P. 151 (Critical Thinking)

16. Analyze: According to the poet, what is the nature of the relationship between God and the American cause?