Jacob Goodpasture
The narrative centers on a character reflecting on the profound impact of the Civil War and the loss of his son, who died in battle. The speaker expresses deep sorrow and disillusionment with the war, viewing it as an unjust cause despite the patriotic fervor surrounding it. The emotional weight of his grief is compounded by his advanced age, leading to a sense of isolation and despair. As he contemplates the broader implications of the conflict, he acknowledges the collective suffering and the potential for a new understanding among humanity. He perceives a future where unity, wisdom, and beauty emerge from the ashes of war, suggesting a transformative vision for society. The imagery of eagles and owls symbolizes contrasting perspectives—one of lofty ideals and the other of grounded, yet limited, understanding. The work encapsulates themes of loss, the quest for meaning in suffering, and the hope for a reconciled future, emphasizing the tension between personal grief and collective progress. The speaker's journey reflects a struggle to reconcile his past experiences with a hopeful vision for humanity's evolution.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1915 · Genre: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Philosophical · 205 words
First lines
When Fort Sumter fell and the war came I cried out in bitterness of soul:
"O glorious republic now no more!"
When they buried my soldier son To the call of trumpets and the sound of drums My heart broke beneath the weight Of eighty years, and I cried:
"Oh, son who died in a cause unjust!
What this Textopian page supports
Jacob Goodpasture is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edgar Lee Masters, dated 1915 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edgar Lee Masters
- Date: 1915 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Philosophical, Literary Fiction, War Literature
- Length: 205 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Jacob Goodpasture 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 Jacob Goodpasture?
- How does this short story by Edgar Lee Masters fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Godwin James by Edgar Lee Masters
- Jacob Godbey by Edgar Lee Masters
- Ippolit Konovaloff by Edgar Lee Masters
- Gustav Richter by Edgar Lee Masters
- Henry Layton by Edgar Lee Masters
- Benjamin Pantier by Edgar Lee Masters
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on emotional expression and thematic depth.
- Historical Fiction — The poem reflects on historical events, specifically the Civil War, and personal experiences related to that period.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deeper existential questions about life, death, and the nature of truth and beauty.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style emphasizes character introspection and thematic complexity, typical of literary fiction.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Free Verse · Modernism · Existentialism · Philosophical Themes · Social Commentary · Human Nature · Emotional Depth