The Winds of War-News by Henry van Dyke
The work employs metaphors of shifting winds to represent the volatile nature of war news and the corresponding impact on public sentiment. It contrasts the fickleness of transient events with the need for steadfast principles, urging a nation, particularly one associated with democratic ideals, not to yield to momentary fluctuations. Instead, the text advocates for unwavering guidance—a moral compass—that remains true regardless of the external turmoil or changing political winds. The imagery of a weathercock is used to caution against an unstable stance, while the compass symbolizes a consistent commitment to the enduring values of liberty and justice. Emphasizing the pursuit of peace and the eventual triumph of democracy, the work calls upon its audience to embrace a deliberate, steadfast path amid uncertain and divisive times. Drawing on the metaphor of a constant star amid shifting clouds, it underlines the necessity for a nation to align its policies and actions with principles that transcend immediate conflicts, ensuring that its identity remains rooted in a legacy of freedom and right even during war.
By Henry van Dyke · First published 1904 · Genre: Patriotic Poetry, War Poetry, Political Commentary · 156 words
First lines
The winds of war-news change and veer: / Now westerly and full of cheer, / Now easterly, depressing, sour / With tidings of the Teutons' power.
But thou, America, whose heart / With brave Allies has taken part, / Be not a weathercock to change / With these wild winds that shift and range.
Be thou a compass ever true, / Through sullen clouds or skies of blue, / To that great star which rules the night --
The star of Liberty and Right.
What this Textopian page supports
The Winds of War-News 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: Patriotic Poetry, War Poetry, Political Commentary, Historical Poetry, Propaganda
- Length: 156 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Winds of War-News by Henry van Dyke
- 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
Genres
- Patriotic Poetry — The work champions national pride, liberty, and the triumph of democracy through lyrical language.
- War Poetry — It centers on themes of conflict and the unpredictable nature of war, encapsulating the essence of wartime poetry.
- Political Commentary — The poem critiques political shifts and calls for steadfastness in democratic values during crises.
- Historical Poetry — With its references to specific wartime events and dates, it situates itself within a distinct historical context.
Tags
war · conflict · battle · military · strategy · history · politics · diplomacy · news · reporting · analysis · historical