Be Active
The work is a passionate call to action, urging individuals to rise against oppression and injustice. It emphasizes the moral imperative to combat the suffering of others, particularly in the context of slavery and societal wrongs. The speaker addresses the audience as "sons of freedom," framing their struggle as a noble mission in the "battle field of life." The poem vividly depicts the pain and suffering caused by oppression, using powerful imagery to evoke empathy and a sense of urgency. It highlights the plight of a mother in despair, a maiden in danger, and the innocent lives lost to systemic violence. The speaker implores the audience to move beyond passive sympathy and take decisive action against tyranny and injustice. The call extends to all people, regardless of background or belief, urging unity in the fight against oppression. The speaker emphasizes the need for collective moral action, encouraging individuals to harness their faith and societal influence to challenge and dismantle the structures of oppression. The work concludes with a rallying cry for faithfulness and valor, asserting that true strength lies not in human power but in the righteousness of the cause. It reinforces the belief that divine support is on the side of justice, urging the audience to remain steadfast in their commitment to fight for what is right.
By Frances Ellen Watkins Harper · First published 1866 · Genre: Poetry, Social Justice, Inspirational · 416 words
First lines
Onward, onward, sons of freedom, In the great and glorious strife; You've a high and holy mission On the battle field of life.
See oppression's feet of iron Grind a brother to the ground, And from bleeding heart and bosom, Gapeth many a fearful wound.
What this Textopian page supports
Be Active is listed on Textopian as an essay by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, dated 1866 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Date: 1866 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Social Justice, Inspirational, Political, Historical
- Length: 416 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Be Active by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- 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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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Be Active?
- How does this essay by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Change by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- The Present Age by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Songs For The People by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Suffrage For Women by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Reform by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetry.
- Social Justice — The themes focus on oppression, freedom, and the moral imperative to fight against injustice.
- Inspirational — The text encourages action and resilience in the face of adversity, aiming to inspire readers.
- Political — The content addresses political themes related to slavery and civil rights.
Tags
Activism · Social Justice · Feminism · Abolitionist · Literary Nonfiction · 19th Century Literature · American History · Racial Equality · Women's Rights · Civil War Era · African American Experience · Protest Literature