Greater Britain
The poem explores the idea of a unified Britain, emphasizing the importance of national unity and cooperation. It describes the country's rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, urging its people to put aside their differences and work together for a brighter future. The tone is optimistic and patriotic, with a strong emphasis on the potential for greatness that can be achieved through collective effort.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1899 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Patriotic Literature · 262 words
First lines
Our hearts were not set on fighting, We did not pant for the fray, And whatever wrongs need righting, We would not have met that way. But the way that has opened before us Leads on thro' a blood-red field; And we swear by the great God o'er us, We will die, but we will not yield.
The battle is not of our making, And war was never our plan; Yet, all that is sweet forsaking, We march to it, man by man. It is either to smite, or be smitten, There's no other choice to-day; And we live, as befits the Briton, Or we die, as the Briton may.
What this Textopian page supports
Greater Britain 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, Historical Literature, Inspirational Literature
- Length: 262 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Greater Britain 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
- 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 Greater Britain?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- England Awake by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Khaki Boys Who Were Not At The Front by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Ode To The British Fleet by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Song To The Suliotes by Lord Byron
- In Honour Of America 1917 In Antithesis To Rossettis On The Refusal by Alice Meynell
- Englands Greatness by Ellen Glasgow
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs rhyme and meter.
- War Literature — The themes revolve around battle, conflict, and the resolve to fight.
- Patriotic Literature — The content emphasizes national pride and the spirit of the Briton.
- Historical Literature — References to historical context and the nature of the conflict suggest a historical backdrop.
Tags
Poetry · Patriotism · National Identity · British Culture · Imperialism · Colonialism · Racism · Xenophobia · Jingoism · Chauvinism · Ultra-Nationalism · Political Ideology