The Stone Fleet. an Old Sailor's Lament. (Decemb
The story revolves around a group of men who are part of the Stone Fleet, a collection of ships deliberately sunk to blockade Southern ports during the American Civil War. The narrative is presented through the perspective of an old sailor who has been involved in this endeavor and is now reflecting on his experiences. The old sailor's lament serves as a commentary on the moral complexities of war and the human cost of such actions. He grapples with the consequences of his involvement, questioning whether the ends justify the means. Throughout the narrative, Melville explores themes of duty, loyalty, and the blurred lines between right and wrong in times of conflict. The old sailor's introspection serves as a microcosm for the broader societal implications of war and its impact on individuals.
By Herman Melville · First published 1861 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Nautical · 348 words
First lines
I have a feeling for those ships, Each worn and ancient one, With great bluff bows, and broad in the beam; Ay, it was unkindly done. But so they serve the Obsolete -- Even so, Stone Fleet!
You'll say I'm doting; do but think I scudded round the Horn in one -- The Tenedos, a glorious Good old craft as ever run -- Sunk (how all unmeet! ) With the Old Stone Fleet.
What this Textopian page supports
The Stone Fleet. an Old Sailor's Lament. (December, 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, Nautical, Lament, Elegy
- Length: 348 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Stone Fleet. an Old Sailor's Lament. (December, 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
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Stone Fleet. an Old Sailor's Lament. (December, 1861.)?
- How does this poem by Herman Melville fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
- The Cumberland March 1862 by Herman Melville
- Tom Deadlight John Marr And Other Sailors by Herman Melville
- Conductor Bradley by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Glory Of Ships The Red Flower And Golden Stars by Henry Van Dyke
- Voyage Of The Jettie by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Bridegroom Dick 1876 John Marr And Other Sailors by Herman Melville
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
- Historical — The poem references historical events and ships, grounding it in a specific time period.
- Nautical — The subject matter revolves around ships and maritime themes, central to nautical literature.
- Lament — The tone and content express mourning and regret over the fate of the ships, fitting the lament genre.
Tags
American Literature · Historical Fiction · Maritime Fiction · Nautical Fiction · Civil War Era · 19th Century American Literature · Short Story · Lament · Sailor's Life · Sea Captain · Shipwreck · Fate vs. Free Will