Philip Freneau's 1775 poem 'Emancipation from British Dependence' uses satire to advocate for American independence from British rule. Employing humor, sharp criticism, and poetic devices like metaphor and alliteration, Freneau's work captures the spirit of the American Revolution, emphasizing themes of liberty and resistance. The poem critiques British policies and figures, serving as a rallying cry for the colonists' pursuit of self-governance.
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Freneau employs satire to criticize British rule in the American colonies
Repetition, Allusion, Metaphor
Freneau uses literary devices such as repetition, allusion, and metaphor to depict the British as tyrannical
Alliteration, Metonymy, Idiom
The poem also utilizes alliteration, metonymy, and idiom to mock and belittle the British monarchy
The poem explores themes of liberty versus oppression and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs
The poem follows a structured form of quatrains with an AABB CCDD rhyme scheme
Derogatory Imagery
Freneau uses derogatory imagery to refer to British figures and policies
Contemporary References
The poem includes references to specific British policies and figures that would have been recognizable to its original audience
Mimicking a Prayer
The poem takes the form of a prayer, with each stanza beginning with "from" and seeking deliverance from British control
Call for Freedom
The poem concludes with a call for the colonies' freedom and divine justice against British oppression
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Author's nickname and significance
Philip Freneau - 'poet of the American Revolution'; pivotal literary figure influencing revolutionary sentiment.
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Poem's stylistic device
Satire - used to mock British rule and highlight colonial grievances.
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Tone of 'Emancipation from British Dependence'
Confrontational, mocking, informal - conveys colonists' frustration and determination for independence.
