The Portent. (1859.)
This novel explores the intersection of fate and free will through the story of a young sailor who becomes obsessed with a mysterious figure known as The Portent. As he navigates his life at sea, he grapples with the idea that some events are predetermined, while others are subject to human choice. The narrative is structured around a series of vignettes, each of which presents a different aspect of the protagonist's journey. Through these episodes, Melville examines themes such as morality, identity, and the human condition. Ultimately, The Portent raises questions about the nature of destiny and whether individuals have control over their own lives.
By Herman Melville · First published 1859 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Political · 118 words
First lines
Hanging from the beam, Slowly swaying (such the law), Gaunt the shadow on your green, Shenandoah! The cut is on the crown (Lo, John Brown), And the stabs shall heal no more.
Hidden in the cap Is the anguish none can draw; So your future veils its face, Shenandoah! But the streaming beard is shown (Weird John Brown), The meteor of the the war.
What this Textopian page supports
The Portent. (1859.) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Herman Melville, dated 1859 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: 1859 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, Political, Tragedy, Symbolism
- Length: 118 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Portent. (1859.) 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 The Portent. (1859.)?
- 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 Child In The Grave by Hans Christian Andersen
- The Doorless Wolf by Oliver Herford
- Dreamland by Edgar Allan Poe
- The Chaplain Of The Tower by Bernard Capes
- A Princess Of Thule by Madison Cawein
- The Somnambulist by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and imagery.
- Historical — References to John Brown and the historical context of the American Civil War.
- Political — Themes of justice and rebellion are central, reflecting political tensions of the era.
- Tragedy — The somber tone and focus on inevitable suffering and loss.
Tags
American Literature · Historical Fiction · Mystery · Thriller · Adventure · Sea Story · Nautical Fiction · 19th Century Novel · Classic Novel · Literary Fiction · Psychological Thriller · Suspenseful