Philip Freneau’s “On The First American Ship Empress of China†and the Early Sino-American Trade

Abstract

Philip Freneau, the poet of American Revolution, not only narrates the first American ship’s voyage to China in his poem “On the First America Ship Empress of Chinaâ€, but also conveys his hope of the emerging direct early Sino-American Trade. By situating Freneau’s poetic narrative in the broad backdrop of the late 18th century when the newly independent America was anxious to earn economic independence, international recognition and national identity, this article attempts to reveal how this national hope and anxiety is expressed through the poet’s representation of the ship’s sailing to China. The ship, Empress of China, in the metaphor of the Bird of Jove, is empowered to usher in Sino-American trade, establish American economic independence, and build the American Identity, hence leading to a bright prospect of America in the world.