Ballad of the Slave
The narrative revolves around a young slave girl who is sold to a plantation owner. She witnesses the brutal treatment of slaves and the harsh conditions they endure. The story explores themes of oppression, resistance, and survival. The protagonist's experiences are marked by physical and emotional abuse, but she also finds moments of solace in her relationships with other slaves and her own resilience. Throughout the narrative, the author highlights the dehumanizing effects of slavery on both the enslaved and their oppressors. The story is a powerful critique of the institution of slavery, emphasizing its inherent cruelty and the need for abolition. The narrative's focus on the personal experiences of the protagonist serves to humanize the victims of slavery and underscore the moral imperative to end this inhumane practice.
By Helen Hay Whitney · First published 1905 · Genre: Poetry, Tragedy, Romance · 256 words
First lines
The helot got him a hempen cord, A slave of love was he, "She made me dance to her circumstance -- In the air one dances free!"
She sits on a throne of ivory Serene in her silver gown, "Ah, woe," he cried, "but the world is wide, But 'tis straight where I lie down.
"She mocked, she scorned, and she hated me, She shall pity me not," he said; "Too late for the nether way of hate, I may flout her when I'm dead."
Out in the dark of the moonless sky, The rope was round his neck, "Tis the torque of gold from her throat so cold, Why should I rue or reck?"
What this Textopian page supports
Ballad of the Slave is listed on Textopian as a poem by Helen Hay Whitney, dated 1905 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Helen Hay Whitney
- Date: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Tragedy, Romance, Drama, Gothic
- Length: 256 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Ballad of the Slave by Helen Hay Whitney
- 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 Ballad of the Slave?
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Similar titles
- The Dying Bondman by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Out In The Cold by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- The Sentence Of John L Brown by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Slave by Madison Cawein
- I Thirst by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Clotel by William Wells Brown
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality typical of poetry.
- Tragedy — The narrative centers around themes of unrequited love, despair, and death, which are characteristic of tragic literature.
- Romance — The central theme involves a romantic relationship, albeit a troubled and destructive one.
- Drama — The intense emotional conflict and dramatic elements are indicative of dramatic literature.
Tags
Poetry · Slavery · American Literature · 19th Century · Social Justice · Human Rights · Emancipation · Freedom · Oppression · Exploitation · Racism · Historical Fiction
More by Helen Hay Whitney
- Sonnets (1905)
- Songs (1905)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: THE DAYS (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: THE EVERLASTING SNOWS (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: THRONE AND ALTAR (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: EAST AND WEST (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: THE BATTLE (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: WATER AND WINE (1898)
- All works by Helen Hay Whitney