Mare Liberum (Enter America)
The story revolves around a young American who travels to Europe and becomes disillusioned with the materialism and superficiality of modern life. He returns to America, but instead of embracing its values, he seeks to create a new community based on his ideals of simplicity and self-sufficiency. He purchases a large tract of land in the wilderness and sets out to build a utopian society where people can live in harmony with nature and each other. The community is initially successful, attracting like-minded individuals who share his vision. However, as time passes, the community faces challenges and conflicts that threaten its very existence. The protagonist must navigate these difficulties and confront the harsh realities of building a new society from scratch. Ultimately, the story raises questions about the feasibility of creating a perfect society and the human condition's inherent flaws.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1906 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Political Commentary · 317 words
First lines
I. You dare to say with perjured lips, "We fight to make the ocean free"? _You_, whose black trail of butchered ships Bestrews the bed of every sea Where German submarines have wrought Their horrors! Have you never thought, -- What you call freedom, men call piracy!
II. Unnumbered ghosts that haunt the wave, Where you have murdered, cry you down; And seamen whom you would not save, Weave now in weed grown depths a crown Of shame for your imperious head, -- A dark memorial of the dead, -- Women and children whom you sent to drown.
What this Textopian page supports
Mare Liberum (Enter America) is listed on Textopian as a short story by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1906 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, War Literature, Political Commentary, Historical, Satire
- Length: 317 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Mare Liberum (Enter America) by Henry Van Dyke
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Similar titles
- An Assisted Emigrant by Richard Harding Davis
- Liberty Enlightening The World Enter America by Henry Van Dyke
- Mare Liberum Enter America by Henry Van Dyke
- Chiefly About War Matters by Nathaniel Hawthorne
- To Delaware by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Haglets Sea Pieces by Herman Melville
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with stanzas and a rhythmic pattern, characteristic of poetry.
- War Literature — The themes revolve around conflict, specifically naval warfare and its moral implications during World War I.
- Political Commentary — The text critiques political actions and ideologies, particularly those related to freedom and piracy.
- Historical — The content references historical events and figures, such as German submarines and the context of 1917.
Tags
Philosophical Fiction · American Literature · 19th Century Novel · Social Commentary · Maritime Adventure · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Freedom and Liberty · Patriotism · National Identity · Immigration · Cultural Clash