Fifteenth Amendment
The work celebrates the ratification of the amendment that granted African American men the right to vote, marking a significant milestone in the struggle for civil rights. It conveys a sense of triumph and liberation, urging the newly enfranchised to embrace their identity and rights as citizens. The poem employs vivid imagery and metaphors, invoking themes of joy, justice, and the collective journey toward freedom. The speaker calls upon the elements—wires, winds, and bells—to disseminate the news of this monumental change, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the moment. The tone is both celebratory and assertive, encouraging the African American community to rise and claim their rightful place in society. The imagery of shaking off dust symbolizes shedding past oppression and embracing a new identity. The work acknowledges the struggles endured, referencing a "crimson sea" and "storm of fire and blood," which alludes to the sacrifices made in the fight for freedom. It emphasizes gratitude towards a higher power for guidance through adversity. The poem concludes with a call to action, urging the community to take pride in their heritage and to actively participate in shaping the future of the nation. Overall, the piece serves as both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the ongoing journey toward equality and justice. It encapsulates the hope and determination of a people who have overcome significant obstacles to achieve a fundamental right.
By Frances Ellen Watkins Harper · First published 1873 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, Historical Literature · 237 words
First lines
Beneath the burden of our joy Tremble, O wires, from East to West!
Fashion with words your tongues of fire, To tell the nation's high behest.
Outstrip the winds, and leave behind The murmur of the restless waves; Nor tarry with your glorious news, Amid the ocean's coral caves.
Ring out! ring out! your sweetest chimes, Ye bells, that call to prayer and praise; Let every heart with gladness thrill, And songs of joyful triumph raise.
What this Textopian page supports
Fifteenth Amendment is listed on Textopian as a poem by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, dated 1873 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: 1873 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Social Commentary, Historical Literature, Inspirational Literature, Advocacy Literature
- Length: 237 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Fifteenth Amendment 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
- 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 Fifteenth Amendment?
- How does this poem by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- An Appeal To My Countrywomen by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Vashti by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- The Burdens Of All by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- The Slave Girls Address To Her Mother by Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis
- A Little Child Shall Lead Them by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- President Lincolns Proclamation Of Freedom by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Social Commentary — The themes address issues of race, justice, and freedom, reflecting societal concerns.
- Historical Literature — The poem relates to historical events and the impact of the Fifteenth Amendment on African American rights.
- Inspirational Literature — The tone and message aim to inspire hope and resilience among marginalized communities.
Tags
American History · Civil Rights · Feminism · Literary Fiction · 19th Century Literature · Social Justice · Equality · Freedom of Speech · Women's Suffrage · Racial Equality · Slavery · Abolitionism