“The American Soldier”
Philip Freneau opens “The American Soldier” with Lord Oxford’s quote that recapitulates the philosophy that arouses the American soldiers. The soldiers shed their blood due to integral patriotism. However, their lofty patriotism does not discharge them from the eventual aftermath that is “dangerous to be good.” During the war, the soldiers are overestimated as heroes. However, once the warfare is resolved, the soldiers, “ share the due reward-he feeds of praise.” Philip Freneau’s observation is ironic because the commendations that the soldiers receive after the dissolution of the war are immaterial so they cannot be ingested. War is pointless because, “she leaves her soldier-famine and a name!” The overriding recompenses of ‘famine and names’ cannot be valuable in sustaining the soldiers’ physiological, and emotional necessities. Therefore, the post-warfare exaltation of soldiers is over-elaborate.
“The Indian Burying Ground”
The Indian’s entombment formalities recognize the actuality of the soul. Philip Freneau observes, “His imaged birds, and painted bowl/and vension , for journey dressed/Bespeak the nature of the soul,/activity , that knows no rest.” For Indians, bodily expiry does not command the fortitude of the soul. Once an Indian has exhausted the corporeal life, he/she paves way for the soul. Therefore, the Indian’s interment settings hint at the permanence of life.
“Occasioned by General Washington's Arrival in Philadelphia, On His Way to His Residence in Virginia”
The emblematic stars represent George Washington as the foremost, memorable Protagonist of America. Philip Freneau declares, “I every vale she smiles serene,/Freedom's bright stars more radiant rise, /New charms she adds to every scene,/Her brighter sun illumes our skies;/ Remotest realms admiring stand,/And hail the Hero of our land.” George Washington’s resourcefulness was material in the emancipation of America. All the anguish that he weathered in his quest converted him into a phenomenal, noble-minded figure. The consummation of liberty is analogous to the tranquillity that overrides a vehement storm. George Washington’s bequest is buttressed the history for he proved to be a brainy patriot who augmented the birthing America’s sovereignty.
