English Thornton
The work presents a passionate call to action, urging the descendants of early American pioneers and soldiers to rise against the societal elite and corrupt figures who have exploited their heritage. It contrasts the valor of those who fought for freedom and justice with the opportunism of modern-day pretenders and corrupt politicians. The speaker invokes a sense of historical duty, emphasizing the need to reclaim the city and state from those who have profited at the expense of the common people. The narrative unfolds through a series of reflections on the struggles and sacrifices of the past, highlighting the stark divide between the noble origins of the land and the current state of affairs dominated by greed and superficiality. The speaker's tone is one of urgency and indignation, calling for a revival of the spirit of the early settlers who fought for their rights and the integrity of their community. As the work progresses, it delves into themes of identity, legacy, and the moral obligation to confront injustice. The speaker's ghostly presence serves as a reminder of the consequences of inaction, suggesting that failure to rise against the corrupt will lead to a loss of heritage and dignity. The imagery evokes a sense of historical continuity, linking the struggles of the past with the present, and urging a reclamation of values that have been overshadowed by modernity. The work ultimately serves as a rallying cry for the common man, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective action in the face of societal decay. It challenges readers to reflect on their own roles within the community and the legacy they wish to uphold, urging them to take a stand against the forces that threaten to undermine their heritage and values. The speaker's passionate exhortation resonates as a timeless reminder of the need for vigilance and courage in the pursuit of justice and integrity.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Social Critique, Historical · 208 words
First lines
Here! You sons of the men Who fought with Washington at Valley Forge, And whipped Black Hawk at Starved Rock, Arise! Do battle with the descendants of those Who bought land in the loop when it was waste sand, And sold blankets and guns to the army of Grant, And sat in legislatures in the early days, Taking bribes from the railroads!
Arise! Do battle with the fops and bluffs, The pretenders and figurantes of the society column And the yokel souls whose daughters marry counts;
And the parasites on great ideas, And the noisy riders of great causes, And the heirs of ancient thefts.
Arise! And make the city yours, And the State yours --
What this Textopian page supports
English Thornton is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edgar Lee Masters, dated 1916 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edgar Lee Masters
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Social Critique, Historical, Political, American Literature
- Length: 208 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for English Thornton by Edgar Lee Masters
- 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering English Thornton?
- How does this poem by Edgar Lee Masters fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Davis Matlock by Edgar Lee Masters
- Seth Compton by Edgar Lee Masters
- Yee Bow by Edgar Lee Masters
- Magrady Graham by Edgar Lee Masters
- Shack Dye by Edgar Lee Masters
- Kinsey Keene by Edgar Lee Masters
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, making it primarily a poem.
- Social Critique — The themes address social issues, class struggles, and historical grievances, reflecting a critique of society.
- Historical — References to historical events and figures situate the poem within a historical context.
- Political — The call to action against societal issues indicates a political dimension.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Symbolism · Free Verse · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Human Nature · Emotional Depth · Inner Turmoil · Existential Crisis