Commemorative of a Naval Victory (Poems from Bat
This collection of poems commemorates the naval victory at the Battle of the Monitor and the Merrimac during the American Civil War. The poems explore themes of war, patriotism, and the human cost of conflict. They are characterized by their use of symbolism, imagery, and a focus on the emotional and psychological impact of war on those who experience it.
By Herman Melville · First published 1866 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Historical · 264 words
First lines
Sailors there are of the gentlest breed, Yet strong, like every goodly thing; The discipline of arms refines, And the wave gives tempering.
The damasked blade its beam can fling; It lends the last grave grace: The hawk, the hound, and sworded nobleman In Titian's picture for a king, Are of hunter or warrior race.
In social halls a favored guest In years that follow victory won, How sweet to feel your festal fame In woman's glance instinctive thrown: Repose is yours-your deed is known, It musks the amber wine; It lives, and sheds a light from storied days Rich as October sunsets brown, Which make the barren place to shine.
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Commemorative of a Naval Victory (Poems from Battle Pieces) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Herman Melville, dated 1866 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Herman Melville
- Date: 1866 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, War Literature, Historical, Philosophical, Romantic
- Length: 264 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing poetic devices such as meter, rhyme, and imagery.
- War Literature — The themes revolve around naval victory, the discipline of arms, and the aftermath of battle.
- Historical — The poem reflects on historical events and the impact of naval victories.
- Philosophical — It explores themes of glory, memory, and the duality of light and shadow in human achievement.
Tags
War Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Poetry Collection · Naval Warfare · Victory Commemoration · Battlefield Imagery · Patriotism · Nationalism · Heroism · Mortality · Loss of Life