Patria (Sonnets) by Henry Van Dyke
This collection of sonnets explores the theme of patriotism and national identity through a series of poetic meditations on the relationship between the individual and their country. The poems examine the complexities of loyalty, duty, and civic responsibility in the face of personal freedom and moral obligation.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Patriotic, Romantic · 177 words
Editions
First lines
I would not even ask my heart to say / If I could love some other land as well / As thee, my country, had I felt the spell / Of Italy at birth, or learned to obey / The charm of France, or England's mighty sway. / I would not be so much an infidel / As once to dream, or fashion words to tell, / What land could hold my love from thee away.
For like a law of nature in my blood / I feel thy sweet and secret sovereignty, / And woven through my soul thy vital sign. / My life is but a wave, and thou the flood; / I am a leaf and thou the mother-tree; / Nor should I be at all, were I not thine.
June, 1904.
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is composed in sonnet form, a traditional poetic structure.
- Patriotic — The theme centers on deep love and loyalty to one's country.
- Romantic — The language and imagery evoke a sense of romantic attachment to the homeland.
- Philosophical — Explores existential themes of identity and belonging.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Sonnets · Patriotism · National Identity · American Culture · Symbolism · Imagery · Figurative Language · Metaphor · Simile · Alliteration
What this Textopian page supports
Patria (Sonnets) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1902 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Patriotic, Romantic, Philosophical
- Length: 177 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Patria (Sonnets) by Henry Van Dyke
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