America by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the idea of America as a symbol of freedom and opportunity, but also critiques the country's shortcomings, particularly its treatment of the poor and marginalized. The speaker describes America as a "fair republic" with a "noble dream," but notes that this ideal is not yet fully realized, citing examples of poverty, inequality, and social injustice.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1899 · Genre: Poetry, Patriotic Literature, Inspirational · 444 words
First lines
I AM the refuge of all the oppressed, / I am the boast of the free, / I am the harbour where ships may rest / Safely 'twixt sea and sea. / I hold up a torch to a darkened world, / I lighten the path with its ray. / Let my hand keep steady / And let me be ready / For whatever comes my way- / Let me be ready.
Oh, better than fortresses, better than guns, / Better than lance or spear, / Are the loyal hearts of my daughters and sons, / Faithful and without fear. / But my daughters and sons must understand / _That Attila did not die_. / And they must be ready, / Their hands must be steady, / If the hosts of hell come nigh- / They must be ready.
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Patriotic Literature — The themes revolve around national pride, readiness, and the defense of the country.
- Inspirational — The work aims to inspire and motivate readers to be prepared and steadfast in their duties.
- Religious — References to Jesus and moral imperatives suggest a religious undertone.
Tags
Patriotism · National Identity · American History · Poetry · Free Verse · Imagery · Symbolism · Nature · Landscapes · Optimism · Idealism · Progress
What this Textopian page supports
America is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1899 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Patriotic Literature, Inspirational, Religious, Historical
- Length: 444 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for America by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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