The Oxford Thrushes. February, 1917 (Enter Ameri
This work is a collection of essays that explore the intersection of nature and human experience during wartime. The author reflects on the changing seasons and their symbolism in relation to the conflict. He also discusses the role of birds, particularly thrushes, as messengers of hope and renewal amidst the devastation of war.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Historical · 302 words
First lines
I never thought again to hear / The Oxford thrushes singing clear, / Amid the February rain, / Their sweet, indomitable strain.
A wintry vapor lightly spreads / Among the trees, and round the beds / Where daffodil and jonquil sleep, / Only the snowdrop wakes to weep.
It is not springtime yet. Alas, / What dark, tempestuous days must pass, / Till England's trial by battle cease, / And summer comes again with peace.
The lofty halls, the tranquil towers, / Where Learning in untroubled hours / Held her high court, serene in fame, / Are lovely still, yet not the same.
What this Textopian page supports
The Oxford Thrushes. February, 1917 (Enter America) is listed on Textopian as a short story by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1917 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: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, War Literature, Historical, Nature, Elegy
- Length: 302 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Oxford Thrushes. February, 1917 (Enter America) by Henry Van Dyke
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- War Literature — The themes revolve around the impact of war, particularly World War I, on Oxford and its people.
- Historical — The poem references specific historical events and settings, such as the trials of England during World War I.
- Nature — The imagery and references to thrushes, rain, and flowers highlight a connection to nature.
Tags
Historical Fiction · War Literature · American Entry into WWI · Poetry Collection · Anthology · WWI Poetry · American Literature · 20th Century Literature · Patriotic Themes · Nationalism · Imperialism · Social Commentary