Introduction
"Freedom to The Slave" was a poetry which was written on Bengal renaissance in the 19th century. It was written in february of 1827, and published in the same year. It was printed by Baptist Mission Press. The poem explores, "Emancipation, justice, and human dignity." It outs the tone regarding Triumphant and celebratory. Moreover, the poem explores the joy of a slave when he or she gets freedom as like the other animals.
Structured
The poem is written with 28 lines in a single stanza. It is primarily written in Iambic penta and tetra meter:
da-DUM/da-DUM/da-DUM/da-DUM/da-DUM
The poem reveals 'emjambment, Transfer Epithet, Anaphora and others.' Some of the lines of the poem explore slant rhyme.
Poet
Henry Louis Vivian Derozio (1809–1831) was a teacher, poet, and cultural thinker. He becomes a teacher at his youger age. He was mixed territorial thinker as an European and Indian. His poem often explores about the freedom, liberty, justice, humanity and social equality. He writes "The Fakeer of Jungheera" and "To India – My Native Land", these are greatest poems of him. He unveils the critical and complex thought to his student. Derozio was the first national poet of india, and he was one of the pioneers of bengal renaissance.
He is the first Indo-Portuguese poet to ignite the flame of Indian poetry in English. The themes of liberty, equality, and fraternity—central ideals of the French Revolution—are vividly reflected in Derozio's works. These themes were earlier embraced by English Romantic poets such as Wordsworth, Coleridge, Shelley, Keats, and Byron.
"Freedom to the Slave" is a patriotic lyric that opens with an epigraph quoting the 18th-century Scottish poet Thomas Campbell. Derozio uses this quotation to underscore the patriotic essence of his poem. This lyric is deeply imbued with the Romantic ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity—principles inspired by the French Revolution and embraced by English Romanticism. The poem also reflects the influence of Byron's passionate advocacy for freedom. It celebrates human dignity, capturing the exhilaration of the common man whose heart swells with joy at the realization of his newfound freedom.
He was stayed in short of period in the world as he was died at the age of 22 in the year of 1831.
Symbols
Chains
In the poem, chain is the most oppressing thing to slave. As before the freedom of a slave, he gets the total a periodical oppression. The master of the slave uses them as they need then the master ties them with chain. The chain is often called as the "Tobacco Tin" which is in "Beloved" by the American writer, Toni Morrison.
Freedom
Freedom' is one speech is the happiness of a slave or to common man. The slave enjoys the moment when they get the happiness. In the era of 19th century, human was not commonly in freedom or liberty. So, when they get it then they fill more desirable. It is a sense of liberation, autonomy, and escape from oppression. Birds, especially when shown in flight, symbolize freedom, as they can move without restriction.
The Air
In the situation of the slave, he is getting the fresh air which is blowing his mind. Through the air "The noblest feelings of the soul." The soul or persona gets purrified.
The Birds
Through the air, he is flying as a bird. In the world, 'Bird' is the most freed animal. The poet has compared the life of the slave with the bird because of the bird's winds with the slave's wind in mind.
Light/Daybreak
Light often symbolizes hope, enlightenment, and the dawn of a new era. In the context of the poem, it could represent the moment of freedom, where the slave emerges from the darkness of bondage into the light of liberty.
The Slave's Heartbeat
The throbbing heart of the freed slave symbolizes joy, life, and the reawakening of human spirit. It reflects the emotional and physical response to the realization of freedom.
The French Revolution Ideals (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity)
These ideals themselves act as symbols within the poem, representing universal human aspirations for justice, fairness, and brotherhood.
The Common Man
The figure of the common man symbolizes humanity as a whole, emphasizing that freedom and dignity are universal rights, not privileges reserved for a few.
Original Poem Text
HOW felt he when he first was told
A slave he ceased to be;
How proudly beat his heart, when first
He knew that he was free !—-
The noblest feelings of the soul
To glow at once began;
He knelt no more; his thoughts were raised;
He felt himself a man.
He looked above—-the breath of heaven
Around him freshly blew;
He smiled exultingly to see
The wild birds as they flew,
He looked upon the running stream
That 'neath him rolled away;
Then thought on winds, and birds, and floods,
And cried, 'I'm free as they!'
Oh Freedom! there is something dear
E'en in thy very name,
That lights the altar of the soul
With everlasting flame.
Success attend the patriot sword,
That is unsheathed for thee!
And glory to the breast that bleeds,
Bleeds nobly to be free!
Blest be the generous hand that breaks
The chain a tyrant gave,
And, feeling for degraded man,
Gives freedom to the slave.
February, 1827.
Line by line Explanation
"HOW felt he when he first was told / A slave he ceased to be;"
How did he feel when he was told he was no longer a slave?
"How proudly beat his heart, when first / He knew that he was free!"
His heart beat with pride when he realized he was free for the first time.
"The noblest feelings of the soul / To glow at once began;"
The most noble and profound emotions in his soul started to shine.
"He knelt no more; his thoughts were raised; / He felt himself a man."
He no longer knelt in submission; his thoughts were elevated, and he felt his full humanity.
"He looked above—-the breath of heaven / Around him freshly blew;"
He looked up, feeling the fresh breath of the heavens around him.
"He smiled exultingly to see / The wild birds as they flew,"
He smiled with great joy as he watched the wild birds flying freely.
"He looked upon the running stream / That 'neath him rolled away;"
He looked at the flowing stream beneath him.
"Then thought on winds, and birds, and floods, / And cried, 'I'm free as they!'"
He thought about the winds, birds, and floods, and declared, "I am as free as they are!"
"Oh Freedom! there is something dear / E'en in thy very name,"
Oh Freedom! There is something precious even in your name.
"That lights the altar of the soul / With everlasting flame."
Freedom ignites an eternal flame in the soul.
"Success attend the patriot sword, / That is unsheathed for thee!"
May success follow the sword of the patriot who fights for freedom!
"And glory to the breast that bleeds, / Bleeds nobly to be free!"
And glory to the chest that bleeds nobly in the struggle for freedom!
"Blest be the generous hand that breaks / The chain a tyrant gave,"
Blessed be the kind hand that breaks the chain given by a tyrant.
"And, feeling for degraded man, / Gives freedom to the slave."
And, out of compassion for oppressed people, grants freedom to the slave.
Summary
- The narrator is reflecting on the moment of emancipation for a slave. This moment is described with a sense of pride and newfound dignity. The lines depict the overwhelming feelings of joy and liberation when the person learns they are no longer a slave.
- The soul experiences noble feelings immediately upon being freed. The act of kneeling, which symbolizes submission and oppression, is no longer required. The individual’s thoughts and self-perception are elevated, recognizing their inherent worth and humanity.
- The imagery of nature—breath of heaven and wild birds—reflects the fresh, unrestrained feeling of freedom. The individual feels a sense of exultation and joy in the natural world, now viewing it from a place of liberty rather than bondage.
- The running stream symbolizes the constant flow of freedom and life. The comparison to winds, birds, and floods emphasizes the boundless and untamed nature of freedom. The cry of "I'm free as they!" underscores the realization and affirmation of this newfound freedom.
- The very name "Freedom" holds immense value and evokes a deep emotional response. It ignites a perpetual, passionate flame within the soul, representing the eternal and unyielding desire for liberty.
- The poem celebrates the courage and success of those who fight for freedom, often at great personal cost. It acknowledges the glory and honor of those who suffer and bleed in the pursuit of liberty.
- The poet blesses and praises the generous and compassionate acts of those who break the chains of tyranny. The act of freeing the enslaved is seen as an act of great humanity and kindness, elevating the oppressed to a state of freedom.
Themes
Liberty and Emancipation
The central theme of the poem is freedom, particularly the liberation of the enslaved. Derozio celebrates the moment when a slave is freed, portraying it as a triumphant and joyous occasion. The poem reflects the Romantic ideal of liberty, inspired by the French Revolution and the works of poets like Byron. It emphasizes that freedom is an inherent human right and that its attainment brings a sense of renewal and hope.
- Example: The breaking of chains symbolizes the end of oppression and the beginning of a new life filled with possibilities.
- Connection: The theme aligns with the broader Romantic movement, which often focused on individual freedom and resistance against tyranny.
2. Human Dignity and Self-Worth
The poem highlights the restoration of human dignity that comes with freedom. Derozio portrays the slave not as a victim but as a person who regains their sense of self-worth and pride once liberated. The poem suggests that no human being should be deprived of their dignity, and freedom is essential for realizing one’s full potential.
- Example: The imagery of the slave’s heart throbbing with joy symbolizes the reawakening of their humanity and self-respect.
- Connection: This theme resonates with the Enlightenment and Romantic ideals that emphasized the inherent value of every individual.
3. Patriotism and Nationalism
As a patriotic lyric, the poem reflects Derozio’s commitment to the idea of a free and just society. The epigraph from Thomas Campbell’s poem sets the tone for this theme, linking the liberation of the slave to the broader struggle for national freedom and independence. Derozio’s work often reflects his desire for India’s emancipation from colonial rule, and this poem can be seen as an allegory for that larger fight.
- Example: The poem’s celebration of freedom can be interpreted as a call for India’s liberation from British colonialism.
- Connection: Derozio’s role as a pioneer of Indian poetry in English often intertwined his personal and political beliefs, making patriotism a recurring theme in his works.
4. The Power of Hope and Renewal
The poem conveys a sense of optimism and renewal that comes with freedom. The slave’s transition from bondage to liberty is depicted as a rebirth, filled with hope and excitement for the future. This theme reflects the Romantic belief in the transformative power of freedom and the human spirit’s resilience.
- Example: The imagery of light and daybreak symbolizes the dawn of a new era, where the slave can start afresh.
- Connection: This theme is reminiscent of the Romantic emphasis on nature and renewal, as seen in the works of Wordsworth and Shelley.
5. Equality and Brotherhood
Drawing inspiration from the French Revolution’s ideals of equality and fraternity, the poem underscores the importance of treating all individuals as equals. Derozio suggests that freedom is not just the absence of chains but also the presence of a society where everyone is treated with respect and fairness.
- Example: The poem’s celebration of the common man’s joy reflects the idea that freedom is a universal right, not a privilege for a select few.
- Connection: This theme aligns with the Romantic and revolutionary ideals that challenged social hierarchies and advocated for universal human rights.
6. The Emotional Impact of Freedom
The poem vividly captures the emotional response to freedom, emphasizing the joy, excitement, and relief that come with liberation. Derozio portrays freedom as not just a physical state but also an emotional and psychological transformation.
- Example: The slave’s heart throbbing with happiness symbolizes the deep emotional impact of being free.
- Connection: This theme reflects the Romantic focus on individual emotions and personal experiences.
7. Critique of Oppression
While the poem celebrates freedom, it also implicitly critiques the systems of oppression that deny people their basic rights. Derozio’s portrayal of the slave’s suffering and subsequent liberation serves as a condemnation of slavery and tyranny in all forms.
- Example: The imagery of chains and bondage highlights the cruelty of oppression, while their removal signifies the end of injustice.
- Connection: This theme aligns with the broader Romantic critique of social and political injustices.
Conclusion:
The themes of "Freedom to the Slave" are deeply interconnected, reflecting Derozio’s commitment to liberty, human dignity, and social justice. The poem is not just a celebration of individual freedom but also a call for universal emancipation, equality, and the creation of a just society. Through its powerful imagery and emotional depth, the poem resonates with the ideals of the French Revolution and the Romantic movement, making it a timeless piece of literature.