Point of View

"Of History and Hope" is written from the a third-person plural perspective, using collective pronouns like "we" and "our" throughout. This point of view is common for inaugural poems, as they are meant to reflect on the status of America and as such often include calls for unity and togetherness. By using the third person plural, Williams includes himself in this collective, acknowledging a sense of community and shared experience between him and his listeners. This perspective also creates a sense of fluidity between past, present, and future as every person is implicated in the continuation of American values.

Language and Meaning

The language in the poem is generally accessible and common, with few instances of elevated vocabulary or unfamiliar concepts. This accessibility underscores the poem's investment in community and universality, as people from a variety of backgrounds are able to understand the sentiments expressed...