Truly one of the nineteenth century's Renaissance women, Francis Ellen Watkins Harper was a poet, novelist, essayist, journalist, abolitionist, feminist, Christian writer, and temperance and women's rights organizer. ... The irony of this poem is present from the very beginning where the reader can infer the tragic irony of a man, whose hard life had been given new purpose by his search for freedom, but he dies just before he can reach it. ...

• Word Count: 846
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Samuel Johnson consolidated the phrase in 1779 in his critical writings "Lives of the Poets" when he noted "about the beginning of the 17th century appeared a race of writers that may be termed the metaphysical poets". ... Donne's imagery focuses on the new (late 16th century) learning of the English renaissance and on topical discoveries and exploration. ...

• Word Count: 737
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate