At the Cannon's Mouth. Destruction of the Ram Al
The story revolves around a naval battle during the American Civil War. A Union ironclad ship, the Albermarle, is destroyed by a Confederate torpedo-launch at the Cannon's Mouth. The narrative explores the psychological and emotional impact of war on those involved, particularly the crew members who witness the destruction of their ship.
By Herman Melville · First published 1864 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, War · 322 words
First lines
Palely intent, he urged his keel Full on the guns, and touched the spring; Himself involved in the bolt he drove Timed with the armed hull's shot that stove His shallop -- die or do! Into the flood his life he threw, Yet lives -- unscathed -- a breathing thing To marvel at.
He has his fame; But that mad dash at death, how name?
What this Textopian page supports
At the Cannon's Mouth. Destruction of the Ram Albermarle by the Torpedo-Launch. (October, 1864.) is listed on Textopian as an essay by Herman Melville, dated 1864 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Herman Melville
- Date: 1864 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, War, Adventure, Biographical
- Length: 322 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for At the Cannon's Mouth. Destruction of the Ram Albermarle by the Torpedo-Launch. (October, 1864.) by Herman Melville
- 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering At the Cannon's Mouth. Destruction of the Ram Albermarle by the Torpedo-Launch. (October, 1864.)?
- How does this essay by Herman Melville fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Battle For The Bay August 1864 by Herman Melville
- The Battle For The Mississipppi April 1862 by Herman Melville
- Chattanooga November 1863 by Herman Melville
- Look Out Mountain The Night Fight November 1863 by Herman Melville
- In The Turret March 1862 by Herman Melville
- The March Into Virginia Ending In The First Manassas July 1861 by Herman Melville
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Historical — The content references a specific historical event, the destruction of the Ram Albermarle in October 1864.
- War — The themes and subject matter revolve around a military action during a war, focusing on bravery and sacrifice.
- Adventure — The narrative centers on a daring and risky mission, highlighting themes of courage and exploration.
Tags
Historical Fiction · War Literature · American Civil War · Naval Warfare · Torpedoes · Destruction of Ships · Battle Scenes · Action-Packed · Melancholic Tone · Gory Details · Moral Ambiguity · Human Cost of War