Inscription (Poems from Battle Pieces)
The collection of poems explores the themes of war, death, and the human condition through a series of meditations on the Civil War. It is characterized by its use of imagery and symbolism to convey the horrors and futility of conflict. The poems often employ a formal, lyrical style to express a sense of melancholy and disillusionment with the values of modern society.
By Herman Melville · First published 1866 · Genre: War Poetry, Historical Poetry, Patriotic Poetry · 117 words
First lines
"For Graves at Pea Ridge, Arkansas"
Let none misgive we died amiss / When here we strove in furious fight: / Furious it was; nathless was this / Better than tranquil plight, / And tame surrender of the Cause / Hallowed by hearts and by the laws.
We here who warred for Man and Right, / The choice of warring never laid with us.
There we were ruled by the traitor's choice.
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Genres
- War Poetry — The poem reflects on the themes of battle, sacrifice, and the moral implications of war, characteristic of war poetry.
- Historical Poetry — The poem references a specific historical event, the Battle of Pea Ridge, and reflects on its significance.
- Patriotic Poetry — The poem expresses themes of patriotism and dedication to a cause, common in patriotic poetry.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem's emotional and reflective tone aligns with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
Tags
War Poetry · American Literature · Civil War Era · Poetry Collection · Battlefield Imagery · Mourning and Loss · Grief and Sorrow · Historical Context · Symbolism · Imagery · Figurative Language · Free Verse
What this Textopian page supports
Inscription (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: War Poetry, Historical Poetry, Patriotic Poetry, Lyric Poetry
- Length: 117 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
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