Aurora-Borealis. Commemorative of the Dissolutio
The poem commemorates the end of the American Civil War and the dissolution of armies. It describes the aurora borealis as a symbol of peace and reconciliation, with the celestial display mirroring the reunification of the nation. The poem's tone is reflective and contemplative, acknowledging the sacrifices made during the war and the hope for a brighter future.
By Herman Melville · First published 1865 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Nature · 171 words
First lines
What power disbands the Northern Lights / After their steely play? / The lonely watcher feels an awe / Of Nature's sway, / As when appearing, / He marked their flashed uprearing / In the cold gloom -- / Retreatings and advancings, / (Like dallyings of doom), / Transitions and enhancings, / And bloody ray.
The phantom-host has faded quite, / Splendor and Terror gone -- / Portent or promise -- and gives way / To pale, meek Dawn; / The coming, going, / Alike in wonder showing -- / Alike the God, / Decreeing and commanding / The million blades that glowed, / The muster and disbanding -- / Midnight and Morn.
What this Textopian page supports
Aurora-Borealis. Commemorative of the Dissolution of Armies at the Peace. (May, 1865.) 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, Historical, Nature, Philosophical
- Length: 171 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Aurora-Borealis. Commemorative of the Dissolution of Armies at the Peace. (May, 1865.) by Herman Melville
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing poetic devices such as imagery, metaphor, and rhythm.
- Historical — The poem reflects on historical events, specifically the dissolution of armies at the end of the Civil War in 1865.
- Nature — The poem uses natural phenomena, like the Northern Lights, as central imagery to convey its themes.
- Philosophical — The work contemplates the power and mystery of nature, suggesting deeper philosophical reflections on existence and divine will.
Tags
Historical Fiction · American Literature · Civil War Era · Peace Treaty · Dissolution of Armies · Commemorative Work · Poetic Prose · Symbolism · Nature Imagery · Aurora Borealis · Cosmic Event · National Identity