A Dirge for Mcpherson, Killed in Front of Atlant
The poem is a lamentation for the death of General James B. McPherson, who was killed in action during the Atlanta Campaign. It describes his bravery and leadership on the battlefield, and mourns his loss to the Union cause. The poem also touches on the themes of mortality, sacrifice, and the fleeting nature of human life.
By Herman Melville · First published 1865 · Genre: Poetry, Elegy, Historical · 222 words
First lines
Arms reversed and banners craped -- Muffled drums; Snowy horses sable-draped -- McPherson comes.
_But, tell us, shall we know him more, Lost-Mountain and lone Kenesaw? _
Brave the sword upon the pall -- A gleam in gloom; So a bright name lighteth all McPherson's doom.
Bear him through the chapel-door -- Let priest in stole Pace before the warrior Who led. Bell -- toll!
What this Textopian page supports
A Dirge for Mcpherson, Killed in Front of Atlanta. (July, 1864.) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Herman Melville, dated 1865 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Herman Melville
- Date: 1865 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Elegy, Historical, War Literature, American Literature
- Length: 222 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Dirge for Mcpherson, Killed in Front of Atlanta. (July, 1864.) by Herman Melville
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Elegy — The poem mourns the death of a soldier, fitting the traditional form of an elegy.
- Historical — The content references a specific historical event, the death of McPherson during the Civil War.
- War Literature — The themes and subject matter revolve around war and its impact, typical of war literature.
Tags
American Civil War · Poetry · War Poetry · Lamentation · Elegy · Death · Loss · Grief · Mourning · Atlanta Campaign · Battlefield · Soldier's Death