Lee in the Capitol. (April, 1866.)
The story revolves around a young man who returns to the city after serving in the war. He is disillusioned with the society he finds and struggles to reconcile his experiences with the reality of life back home. The narrative explores themes of identity, morality, and the complexities of human nature.
By Herman Melville · First published 1865 · Genre: Historical Poetry, War Poetry, Political Poetry · 2,972 words
First lines
Hard pressed by numbers in his strait, Rebellion's soldier-chief no more contends -- Feels that the hour is come of Fate, Lays down one sword, and widened warfare ends. The captain who fierce armies led Becomes a quiet seminary's head -- Poor as his privates, earns his bread. In studious cares and aims engrossed, Strives to forget Stuart and Stonewall dead -- Comrades and cause, station and riches lost, And all the ills that flock when fortune's fled. No word he breathes of vain lament, Mute to reproach, nor hears applause -- His doom accepts, perforce content, And acquiesces in asserted laws; Secluded now would pass his life, And leave to time the sequel of the strife. But missives from the Senators ran; Not that they now would gaze upon a swordless foe, And power made powerless and brought low: Reasons of state, 'tis claimed, require the man.
What this Textopian page supports
Lee in the Capitol. (April, 1866.) is listed on Textopian as an essay 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: Essay
- Author: Herman Melville
- Date: 1865 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Poetry, War Poetry, Political Poetry, Elegy, Philosophical Poetry
- Length: 2,972 words
- Structure: 1 section, 25 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Lee in the Capitol. (April, 1866.) by Herman Melville
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Lee in the Capitol. (April, 1866.)?
- How does this essay by Herman Melville fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Poetry — The work is a poetic reflection on historical events, specifically the aftermath of the American Civil War and the figure of a Confederate leader.
- War Poetry — The poem deals with themes of war, its consequences, and the personal and collective struggles following the Civil War.
- Political Poetry — The text explores political themes, including reconciliation, statecraft, and the future of the nation post-war.
- Elegy — The poem has an elegiac tone, mourning the loss of comrades and the devastation of war.
Tags
Historical Fiction · American Civil War · Literary Nonfiction · Biographical Sketch · Memoir · Autobiography · Politics · Government · Leadership · Military History · War Literature · Civil Rights