Question

Read this excerpt from the poem "Prospect of the Future Glory of America" by John Trumbull and answer the questions that follow in one or two sentences.

To views far distant and to scenes more bright,
Along the vale of Time extend thy sight,
Where hours and days and years from yon dim pole,
Wave following wave in long succession roll,
There see, in pomp for ages without end,
The glories of the Western World ascend.
See, this blest land in orient morn appears,
Waked from the slumber of six thousand years,
While clouds of darkness veil'd each cheering ray;
To savage beasts and savage men, a prey.
Fair Freedom now her ensigns bright displays,
And peace and plenty bless the golden days.
In radiant state th' imperial realm shall rise,
Her splendor circling to the boundless skies;
Of every Fair she boasts the assembled charms,
The Queen of empires and the nurse of arms.

Part A.) What is the meter of this poem?
Part B.) What contrasting imagery does Trumbull use to describe his vision for the future of the nation?
Part C.) Where does Trumbull use personification? For what purpose does he use this technique?
Part D.) What characterizes this poem as a work from the age of reason?
Part E.) What does the phrase "Queen of empires and the nurse of arms" signify?

Answer 1

Answer: Part A.) What is the meter of this poem?

The poem is in iambic pentameter

Part B.) What contrasting imagery does Trumbull use to describe his vision for the future of the nation?

Trumbull contrasts the natural beauty of the land and the horrors of war.

Part C.) Where does Trumbull use personification? For what purpose does he use this technique?

'Fair Freedom now ensigns bright displays...' Freedom is personified

Part D.) What characterizes this poem as a work from the age of reason?

The poem is about a country/people throwing off colonial rule for independence, a common theme of the Age of Reason.

Part E.) What does the phrase "Queen of empires and the nurse of arms" signify?

A queen is a monarch, a head of state of a free and sovereign country - America is to be a free and sovereign state but one which is not afraid to defend its freedom by force of arms.