Aurora Borealis (Poems from Battle Pieces)
The collection of poems explores the intersection of war and nature, using imagery from the Aurora Borealis to convey the turmoil and destruction caused by conflict. The poems are characterized by their dark and introspective tone, reflecting on the human cost of war and the desecration of natural beauty.
By Herman Melville · First published 1866 · Genre: Poetry, War Poetry, Historical · 181 words
First lines
"Commemorative of the Dissolution of armies at the Peace"
May, 1865
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.
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Aurora Borealis (Poems from Battle Pieces) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Herman Melville, dated 1866 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: 1866 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, War Poetry, Historical, Nature, Philosophical
- Length: 181 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
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- Work identity for Aurora Borealis (Poems from Battle Pieces) by Herman Melville
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as imagery, metaphor, and rhythm.
- War Poetry — The themes revolve around the aftermath of war, specifically the dissolution of armies, and the imagery evokes military elements.
- Historical — The poem reflects on historical events, particularly the end of the Civil War, and captures the mood of that period.
- Nature — The poem uses natural phenomena, like the Northern Lights, as central metaphors to convey its themes.
Tags
American Literature · 19th Century Poetry · Nature Imagery · War Poetry · Battlefield Imagery · Poetic Sequence · Symbolism · Cosmology · Aurora Borealis · Northern Lights · Imagery and Symbolism · Melancholy Tone