Ball's Bluff. a Reverie. (October, 1861.)
The poem is a meditation on the futility of war and the transience of human life. It reflects on the Battle of Ball's Bluff, a Confederate victory in which many Union soldiers were killed or captured. The speaker laments the loss of young lives and the senselessness of conflict. The poem also touches on themes of mortality, memory, and the passage of time.
By Herman Melville · First published 1861 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Historical · 229 words
First lines
One noonday, at my window in the town, I saw a sight -- saddest that eyes can see -- Young soldiers marching lustily Unto the wars, With fifes, and flags in mottoed pageantry; While all the porches, walks, and doors Were rich with ladies cheering royally.
They moved like Juny morning on the wave, Their hearts were fresh as clover in its prime (It was the breezy summer time), Life throbbed so strong, How should they dream that Death in a rosy clime Would come to thin their shining throng? Youth feels immortal, like the gods sublime.
What this Textopian page supports
Ball's Bluff. a Reverie. (October, 1861.) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Herman Melville, dated 1861 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: 1861 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, War Literature, Historical, Reverie, Tragedy
- Length: 229 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Ball's Bluff. a Reverie. (October, 1861.) by Herman Melville
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- A Dirge For Mcpherson Killed In Front Of Atlanta July 1864 by Herman Melville
- Shiloh A Requiem April 1862 by Herman Melville
- Derne by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Dirge by Alice Meynell
- At The Corregidors by Madison Cawein
- The Battle Autumn Of 1862 by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- War Literature — The themes revolve around soldiers, war, and its consequences, central to war literature.
- Historical — The setting and events are tied to a specific historical period, reflecting on the Civil War era.
- Reverie — The narrative style is reflective and contemplative, fitting the genre of a reverie.
Tags
American Civil War · Poetry · Reverie · Historical Fiction · War Poetry · Battlefield · Ball's Bluff · Virginia · 1861 · Confederate · Union · Loss