The Battle for the Mississipppi. (April, 1862.)
This work is a historical account of the American Civil War's early stages. It focuses on the Union's efforts to control the Mississippi River, a vital transportation route and strategic location. The narrative explores the military campaigns and battles that took place in April 1862, including the Siege of Corinth and the Battle of Shiloh. The text describes the Union army's advance into Tennessee and its eventual victory at Shiloh, which secured control of the region. It also discusses the significance of the Mississippi River as a symbol of national unity and the importance of its control in the war effort. Throughout the work, Melville emphasizes the human cost of war, describing the brutal conditions faced by soldiers on both sides. He also highlights the moral complexities of the conflict, questioning the motivations and actions of those involved. The narrative is characterized by Melville's characteristic lyricism and attention to detail, which brings the historical events to life. The work provides a nuanced understanding of the early stages of the American Civil War and its impact on the nation.
By Herman Melville · First published 1861 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, War · 556 words
First lines
When Israel camped by Migdol hoar, Down at her feet her shawm she threw, But Moses sung and timbrels rung For Pharaoh's standed crew. So God appears in apt events -- The Lord is a man of war! So the strong wind to the muse is given In victory's roar.
Deep be the ode that hymns the fleet -- The fight by night -- the fray Which bore our Flag against the powerful stream, And led it up to day. Dully through din of larger strife Shall bay that warring gun; But none the less to us who live It peals -- an echoing one.
What this Textopian page supports
The Battle for the Mississipppi. (April, 1862.) is listed on Textopian as an essay 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: Essay
- Author: Herman Melville
- Date: 1861 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, War, Epic, Religious
- Length: 556 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Battle for the Mississipppi. (April, 1862.) by Herman Melville
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Historical — The content references a specific historical event, the Battle for the Mississippi during the American Civil War.
- War — The themes and imagery focus on battle, conflict, and military engagement.
- Epic — The narrative style and grand themes of heroism and struggle align with epic literature.
Tags
Historical Fiction · American Civil War · Naval Warfare · Battle Narrative · War Literature · 19th Century · Southern United States · Mississippi River · Union Forces · Confederate States · Blockade Running · Ship-to-Ship Combat