On Friendship

“On Friendship” depicts friendship as a positive force, suggesting that friendship is a powerful and kindly bond in human life. The speaker describes friendship as elevating those who partake in it, granting them freedom and inspiration.

First, there exists a freedom of space with the phrase “ample reign” (Line 1). This space is so ample that it spreads to the skies and the heavens, as exemplified in Phillis Wheatley’s use of “celestial” (Line 2), while also suggesting abundance. In crediting friendship with exercising a “reign,” the speaker elevates friendship to that of something royal, with friendship ruling as a king or queen would do and having considerable power. This poem suggests a “benevolent” (Line 3) force, which clearly has a positive impact on those affected, who, ultimately, feel a sense of “gratitude” (Line 5) to receive such friendship.

Friendship also appears as inspiration that induces mental freedom. As the speaker states, “Mental imaginations give me Joy” (Line 6, emphasis added). The speaker is able to conjure up any thoughts imaginable without restriction. She is even able to allow these thoughts to bring her positive rather than negative feelings. These thoughts do not just remain in the speaker’s mind, as she uses them to “steer / The Footsteps” (Lines 7-8) of her life and art, bringing her thoughts out into her physical reality.