England, Awake!
The poem is a call to action, urging England to awaken from its slumber and take notice of the injustices and suffering around it. It speaks of the poor, the oppressed, and the downtrodden, and demands that something be done to alleviate their plight. The tone is one of urgency and indignation, with the speaker imploring England to rise up and take action to create a more just and equitable society.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1899 · Genre: Poetry, Political Commentary, Social Critique · 168 words
First lines
A beautiful great lady, past her prime, Behold her dreaming in her easy chair; Gray robed, and veiled; in laces old and rare, Her smiling eyes see but the vanished time, Of splendid prowess, and of deeds sublime. Self satisfied she sits, all unaware That peace has flown before encroaching care, And through her halls stalks hunger, linked with crime.
England, awake! from dreams of what has been, Look on what _is_, and put the past away. Speak to your sons, until they understand. England, awake! for dreaming now is sin; In all your ancient wisdom, rise to-day, And save the glory of your menaced land.
What this Textopian page supports
England, Awake! 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, Political Commentary, Social Critique, Historical Reflection, Inspirational
- Length: 168 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for England, Awake! by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a structured rhyme scheme and meter.
- Political Commentary — The poem addresses the state of England and calls for political and social awakening.
- Social Critique — The poem critiques the complacency and ignorance of societal issues such as hunger and crime.
- Historical Reflection — The poem reflects on England's past glories and contrasts them with the present situation.
Tags
Poetry · Social Commentary · Patriotism · National Identity · Imperialism · Colonialism · Racism · Xenophobia · Jingoism · War · Militarism · British Empire