To the Union Savers of Cleveland
The work addresses the moral failings of a community that turns a blind eye to the suffering of an oppressed individual, specifically a woman who represents the plight of enslaved people. It opens with vivid imagery, comparing the community's inaction to the indifference shown by men towards a vulnerable dove or a feeble lamb threatened by predators. The speaker implores the men of Cleveland to act with compassion and protect the oppressed, highlighting their failure to respond to a "hunted sister" who reaches out for help. The poem critiques the community's complicity in the institution of slavery, suggesting that their silence and inaction contribute to the ongoing suffering of the enslaved. The imagery of blood and curses emphasizes the moral stain on the city and the Union, suggesting that their prosperity is built on the exploitation and suffering of others. The speaker warns that the consequences of this injustice will not be ignored; divine judgment is imminent, and the community will face repercussions for their failure to uphold justice. The work calls for a recognition of the shared humanity of all individuals, regardless of race, and demands that the community confront its complicity in systemic oppression. It emphasizes that true justice is a universal right and that the community must learn this lesson to avoid the impending moral and social upheaval. The poem serves as a powerful indictment of apathy and a rallying cry for justice and equality.
By Frances Ellen Watkins Harper · First published 1869 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, Abolitionist Literature · 409 words
First lines
Men of Cleveland, had a vulture / Sought a timid dove for prey, / Would you not, with human pity, / Drive the gory bird away?
Had you seen a feeble lambkin, / Shrinking from a wolf so bold, / Would ye not to shield the trembler, / In your arms have made its fold?
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To the Union Savers of Cleveland is listed on Textopian as an essay by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, dated 1869 CE.
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- Work type: Essay
- Author: Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Date: 1869 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Social Commentary, Abolitionist Literature, Political Literature, Historical Literature
- Length: 409 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for To the Union Savers of Cleveland by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Social Commentary — The poem addresses social issues, particularly slavery and justice, reflecting on moral responsibilities.
- Abolitionist Literature — The text advocates for the abolition of slavery and critiques the complicity of society in the institution.
- Political Literature — The poem engages with political themes, particularly the moral implications of the Union during the Civil War.
Tags
Abolitionist Literature · American History · Anti-Slavery · Civil War Era · Cleveland Ohio · Free Labor Movement · Frances Ellen Watkins Harper · Industrialization · Labor Rights · Literary Pamphlet · Poetry Collection · Pro-Union