The Night March (Poems from Timoleon)
This collection of poems explores themes of war, politics, and the human condition through a series of vignettes and meditations on ancient Greece. The poems are written in a style that blends classical forms with modern sensibilities, creating a unique and expressive voice. Throughout the collection, Melville grapples with the complexities of power, morality, and identity, often using historical figures and events as a lens through which to examine these issues. The poems are characterized by their lyricism, complexity, and intellectual depth, making them a challenging but rewarding read for those interested in poetry and literature.
By Herman Melville · First published 1846 · Genre: Poetry, Symbolism, Allegory · 105 words
First lines
With banners furled and clarions mute, / An army passes in the night; / And beaming spears and helms salute / The dark with bright.
In silence deep the legions stream, / With open ranks, in order true; / Over boundless plains they stream and gleam- / No chief in view!
Afar, in twinkling distance lost, / (So legends tell) he lonely wends / And back through all that shining host / His mandate sends.
What this Textopian page supports
The Night March (Poems from Timoleon) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Herman Melville, dated 1846 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Herman Melville
- Date: 1846 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Symbolism, Allegory, Historical
- Length: 105 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
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- Work identity for The Night March (Poems from Timoleon) by Herman Melville
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Symbolism — The imagery of an army marching at night with banners and spears suggests deeper symbolic meanings, possibly reflecting themes of leadership and order.
- Allegory — The narrative of a leaderless army could be interpreted as an allegory for broader philosophical or existential themes.
- Historical — The mention of legions and spears evokes historical military imagery, suggesting a historical context or inspiration.
Tags
Ancient Greece · Historical Fiction · Poetry Collection · War Poetry · Classics · Literary Fiction · Greek History · Timoleon's Campaign · Sicilian Wars · Military Campaigns · Battlefield Poems · War Literature