American Boys, Hello!
The poem explores the theme of patriotism and the idealization of American boys who embody the values of courage, strength, and freedom. It describes these boys as being full of life, energy, and enthusiasm, with a strong sense of national pride. The speaker portrays them as being carefree, adventurous, and innocent, with a deep connection to nature and the outdoors.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1899 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Patriotic Literature · 324 words
First lines
Oh! we love all the French, and we speak in French As along through France we go. But the moments to us that are keen and sweet Are the ones when our khaki boys we meet, Stalwart and handsome and trim and neat; And we call to them-‘Boys, hello! ' ‘Hello, American boys, Luck to you, and life's best joys! American boys, hello!'
We couldn't do that if we were at home- It never would do, you know! For there you must wait till you're told who's who, And to meet in the way that nice folks do. Though you knew his name, and your name he knew- You never would say ‘Hello, hello, American boy! ' But here it's just a joy, As we pass along in the stranger throng, To call out, ‘Boys, hello!'
What this Textopian page supports
American Boys, Hello! 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, War Literature, Patriotic Literature, Travel Literature, Social Commentary
- Length: 324 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for American Boys, Hello! by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Similar titles
- Our Country by John Greenleaf Whittier
- A Song Of Republics by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Europe by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Tyranny by Thiruvalluvar
- Progress by Matthew Arnold
- Peace Hymn Of The Republic by Henry Van Dyke
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality.
- War Literature — The themes revolve around soldiers and the experiences of American boys during wartime.
- Patriotic Literature — The content expresses national pride and camaraderie among American soldiers.
- Travel Literature — The narrative includes elements of travel and interaction in a foreign land.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · Early 20th Century · Patriotism · Youth · Masculinity · National Identity · Society · Culture · History · War · Politics