Sheridan at Cedar Creek. (October, 1864.)
The story revolves around a Union army officer who witnesses the Battle of Cedar Creek and reflects on the nature of war and its impact on individuals and society. The narrative explores themes of disillusionment, moral ambiguity, and the search for meaning in the midst of chaos. Through the officer's experiences, the text critiques the romanticized notion of war and presents a more nuanced portrayal of the human cost of conflict.
By Herman Melville · First published 1864 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, War · 356 words
First lines
Shoe the steed with silver That bore him to the fray, When he heard the guns at dawning -- Miles away; When he heard them calling, calling -- Mount! nor stay: Quick, or all is lost; They've surprised and stormed the post, They push your routed host -- Gallop! retrieve the day.
House the horse in ermine -- For the foam-flake blew White through the red October; He thundered into view; They cheered him in the looming, Horseman and horse they knew. The turn of the tide began, The rally of bugles ran, He swung his hat in the van; The electric hoof-spark flew.
What this Textopian page supports
Sheridan at Cedar Creek. (October, 1864.) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Herman Melville, dated 1864 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: 1864 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, War, Epic, Romantic
- Length: 356 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Sheridan at Cedar Creek. (October, 1864.) 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 Sheridan at Cedar Creek. (October, 1864.)?
- How does this poem by Herman Melville fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery.
- Historical — The poem references a specific historical event, the Battle of Cedar Creek during the American Civil War.
- War — The themes and imagery revolve around battle, military action, and the valor of soldiers.
- Epic — The poem celebrates heroic deeds and figures, akin to traditional epic poetry.
Tags
American Civil War · Historical Fiction · Battlefield Novel · War Literature · Military History · Cedar Creek · Sheridan's Campaign · October 1864 · Battle of Cedar Creek · Union Victory · Confederate Defeat · General Philip Sheridan