Question

In this poem, Columbia refers to America. How does the reference to mother earth support the theme of these lines?

Answer 1

Answer:

b. It represents America as a maternal figure and other nations as her children.

Explanation:

This poem was directed to George Washington in 1775, before American Independence was declared and American's victory against the tyrannical british rule was still uncertain, but Wheatley wrote this poem to praise and keep inspiring the American Revolution “named Columbia,” which was an embodiment of freedom. Under this context, Wheatley metaphorically represents America as a maternal figure and other nations (her offspring) as her children:

See mother earth her offspring's fate bemoan,

And nations gaze at scenes before unknown!

Answer 2

C. It suggests that life comes from the earth, and America is its newest shining child.