Ten Thousand Men a Day
The poem explores the devastating effects of war on humanity, lamenting the loss of thousands of men daily and the suffering it brings to their loved ones. It condemns the futility and brutality of war, emphasizing its destructive nature and the immense human cost. The speaker implores for an end to the senseless slaughter, advocating for peace and a world where men can live without fear of death.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1897 · Genre: War Poetry, Patriotic Literature, Historical Poetry · 317 words
First lines
All the world was wearying, All the world was sad; Everything was shadow-filled; Things were going bad. Then a rumour stirred all hearts As a wind stirs trees- Ten thousand men a day Coming over seas!
Soon we saw them marching by- God! what a sight! - Shoulders back, and heads erect, Faces full of light. Smiling like a morn in May, Moving like a breeze, Ten thousand men a day Coming over seas.
What this Textopian page supports
Ten Thousand Men a Day is listed on Textopian as an essay by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1897 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1897 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: War Poetry, Patriotic Literature, Historical Poetry, Inspirational Poetry, Lyric Poetry
- Length: 317 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Ten Thousand Men a Day by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Ten Thousand Men a Day?
- How does this essay by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does War Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- War Poetry — The poem focuses on the arrival of soldiers during wartime, capturing the emotions and experiences associated with war.
- Patriotic Literature — The poem evokes a sense of national pride and unity, celebrating the arrival of reinforcements.
- Historical Poetry — The poem reflects a specific historical context, likely World War I, and the impact of American troops arriving in Europe.
- Inspirational Poetry — The poem aims to inspire hope and resilience in the face of adversity, highlighting the positive impact of the soldiers' arrival.
Tags
war · military · courage · sacrifice · patriotism · heroism · battle · leadership · history · conflict · valor · survival