Deliverance by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
The work is a powerful poem that calls for liberation and empowerment, drawing on biblical imagery and themes of freedom. It begins with a rallying cry for the oppressed, urging them to rise against their oppressors. The speaker invokes the story of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, using the symbolism of a sacrificial lamb and the blood on doorposts to signify protection and deliverance from bondage. The poem emphasizes the importance of remembering and celebrating the past struggles for freedom, suggesting that the legacy of liberation should be passed down through generations. It highlights the transition from oppression to freedom, portraying a vision of hope and renewal. The speaker encourages unity among the youth and calls for a collective effort to fight for justice and equality, not through violence but through love and faith. The imagery of dawn and the changing of day signifies new beginnings and the promise of a brighter future. The poem concludes with a call to action, urging individuals to follow a path of righteousness and to work towards a world where peace and joy prevail. The overarching message is one of resilience, faith, and the enduring quest for freedom and justice.
By Frances Ellen Watkins Harper · First published 1866 · Genre: Poetry, Religious Literature, African American Literature · 592 words
First lines
Rise up! rise up! Oh Israel, / Let a spotless lamb be slain; / The angel of death will o'er you bend / And rend your galling chain.
Sprinkle its blood upon the posts / And lintels of your door; / When the angel sees the crimson spots / Unharmed he will pass you o'er.
Gather your flocks and herds to-night, / Your children by our side:
A leader from Arabia comes / To be your friend and guide.
What this Textopian page supports
Deliverance is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Date: 1866 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious Literature, African American Literature, Social Justice Literature, Historical Literature
- Length: 592 words
- Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Deliverance 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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Similar titles
- The Deliverance by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- The Freedom Bell by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- The Dying Bondman by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- The Dying Fugitive by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Burial Of Sarah by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- The Refiners Gold by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form, utilizing rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Religious Literature — The themes revolve around faith, redemption, and divine intervention, central to religious texts.
- African American Literature — The author is a prominent figure in African American literature, addressing themes of slavery and freedom.
- Social Justice Literature — The poem advocates for freedom and justice, reflecting social and political issues of its time.
Tags
Slavery · Abolitionism · American Literature · 19th Century Fiction · Social Justice · Racism · Violence · Survival · Adventure · Coming of Age · Female Protagonist · African American Experience