Lyon. Battle of Springfield, Missouri. (August,
The battle was a Confederate victory, but it had little strategic impact on the war. The Union army retreated to Springfield and regrouped. The battle marked one of the first major engagements in the Trans-Mississippi Theater. The novel portrays the battle as a pivotal moment in American history, highlighting the brutality and chaos of war. It explores themes of loyalty, duty, and the human cost of conflict. The narrative is told through multiple perspectives, including those of soldiers on both sides, to create a nuanced understanding of the events leading up to and during the battle. The novel critiques the romanticized notion of war, instead presenting a gritty and realistic portrayal of its effects on individuals and society.
By Herman Melville · First published 1861 · Genre: Poetry, Historical Fiction, War Literature · 677 words
First lines
Some hearts there are of deeper sort, Prophetic, sad, Which yet for cause are trebly clad; Known death they fly on: This wizard-heart and heart-of-oak had Lyon.
"They are more than twenty thousand strong, We less than five, Too few with such a host to strive" "Such counsel, fie on! 'Tis battle, or 'tis shame; " and firm stood Lyon.
What this Textopian page supports
Lyon. Battle of Springfield, Missouri. (August, 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, Historical Fiction, War Literature, Tragedy, Epic
- Length: 677 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Lyon. Battle of Springfield, Missouri. (August, 1861.) 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 Lyon. Battle of Springfield, Missouri. (August, 1861.)?
- How does this poem by Herman Melville fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Surrender At Appomattox April 1865 by Herman Melville
- Duponts Round Fight November 1861 by Herman Melville
- Sheridan At Cedar Creek October 1864 by Herman Melville
- Look Out Mountain The Night Fight November 1863 by Herman Melville
- The Armies Of The Wilderness 1683 64 by Herman Melville
- The March To The Sea December 1864 by Herman Melville
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is based on historical events, specifically the Battle of Springfield, Missouri, and incorporates fictional elements to dramatize the story.
- War Literature — The themes and setting revolve around a military conflict, exploring the experiences and emotions of soldiers in battle.
- Tragedy — The work centers on the inevitable and heroic death of the protagonist, evoking themes of fate and sacrifice.
Tags
Historical Fiction · American Civil War · Battle Scene · Military Conflict · Missouri Setting · August 1861 · Historical Event · Fictionalized Account · War Literature · Literary Nonfiction · Historical Accuracy · Civil War Era