Hero-Worship by Amy Lowell (1912)
Hero-Worship by Amy Lowell is a collection of essays that explore the concept of hero worship and its impact on literature and culture. The book examines how the idea of the hero has evolved over time, from ancient mythology to modern-day celebrity culture. Lowell argues that the hero archetype continues to play a significant role in shaping literary works and influencing cultural values. Through a close reading of various texts, including Shakespeare's plays, Milton's Paradise Lost, and Whitman's Leaves of Grass, Lowell demonstrates how the hero has been used as a tool for social commentary and political critique. The book also delves into the psychological dynamics of hero worship, exploring the ways in which individuals are drawn to heroes and the impact this has on their own sense of identity and purpose. Ultimately, Hero-Worship is a thought-provoking examination of the enduring power of the hero archetype and its continued relevance in contemporary society.
By Amy Lowell · First published 1912 · Genre: Poetry, Feminist Literature, LGBT Literature · 161 words
First lines
A face seen passing in a crowded street, / A voice heard singing music, large and free; / And from that moment life is changed, and we / Become of more heroic temper, meet / To freely ask and give, a man complete / Radiant because of faith, we dare to be / What Nature meant us. Brave idolatry / Which can conceive a hero! No deceit, / No knowledge taught by unrelenting years, / Can quench this fierce, untamable desire.
We know that what we long for once achieved / Will cease to satisfy. Be still our fears; / If what we worship fail us, still the fire / Burns on, and it is much to have believed.
What this Textopian page supports
Hero-Worship is listed on Textopian as a poem by Amy Lowell, dated 1912 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Amy Lowell
- Date: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Feminist Literature, LGBT Literature, Imagist
- Length: 161 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Hero-Worship by Amy Lowell
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
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Genres
- Poetry — Amy Lowell was known for her imagist poetry, and 'Hero-Worship' follows the same style and structure.
- Feminist Literature — Lowell's work often contained feminist themes, which also emerge in 'Hero-Worship.'
- LGBT Literature — Although not explicit, Amy Lowell, a known lesbian, often included subtle LGBT themes in her poems, which can also be found in 'Hero-Worship'.
- Imagist — Lowell was a promoter of the imagist movement, which emphasized clear, sharp language and a focus on the 'thing' itself. 'Hero-Worship' also reflects these principles in its imagery and precise language.
Tags
Poetry · Literary Criticism · Biography · History · Culture · Philosophy · Psychology · Society · Politics · Gender Studies · Romanticism · Symbolism