America's Prosperity (Enter America)
The story revolves around a young American who travels to Europe and becomes disillusioned with the social and economic systems he encounters. He returns home determined to reform America's prosperity by addressing issues of poverty, inequality, and social injustice. The narrative explores themes of capitalism, socialism, and the role of government in promoting economic growth and social welfare.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1904 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, Philosophical · 172 words
First lines
They tell me thou art rich, my country: gold In glittering flood has poured into thy chest; Thy flocks and herds increase, thy barns are pressed With harvest, and thy stores can hardly hold Their merchandise; unending trains are rolled Along thy network rails of East and West; Thy factories and forges never rest; Thou art enriched in all things bought and sold!
But dost _thou_ prosper? Better news I crave. O dearest country, is it well with thee Indeed, and is thy soul in health? A nobler people, hearts more wisely brave, And thoughts that lift men up and make them free. -- These are prosperity and vital wealth!
The Hague, October 1, 1916.
What this Textopian page supports
America's Prosperity (Enter America) is listed on Textopian as an essay by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1904 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Social Commentary, Philosophical, Historical
- Length: 172 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for America's Prosperity (Enter America) by Henry Van Dyke
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- The Burning Spear by John Galsworthy
- Americas Prosperity Enter America by Henry Van Dyke
- Johannesburg Mines by Langston Hughes
- The Silver Mine by Selma Lagerlof
- Whose Shall The Welcome Be by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
- Our Land by Langston Hughes
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey its message.
- Social Commentary — The text reflects on the state of the nation, questioning the true nature of prosperity beyond material wealth.
- Philosophical — It explores deeper philosophical questions about the health of the nation's soul and the true meaning of prosperity.
- Historical — The work is set in a specific historical context, reflecting the socio-economic conditions of the early 20th century.
Tags
American Literature · Economic Commentary · Social Commentary · Historical Context · 19th Century American Writing · Patriotism · National Identity · Prosperity · Wealth · Poverty · Class Struggle · Capitalism