Lines on Canada by James McIntyre
The work presents a vivid portrayal of Canada, emphasizing its natural wealth and potential for prosperity. It highlights the country's abundance, likening it to a land rich in resources, where hard work is rewarded and social status is determined by merit rather than inheritance. The absence of ancient relics is noted, yet the presence of valuable resources, particularly gold, is celebrated. The text discusses significant geographical features, such as the Fraser River, and critiques British colonial attitudes towards Canadian territories like Hudson Bay and Vancouver. It suggests that if Britain were to fully recognize and invest in Canada, the nation could emerge as a formidable empire, rivaling Britain itself. The vision of a united British America is articulated, with an emphasis on the importance of infrastructure, such as railroads, to connect the vast territories. The work concludes with a call to recognize Canada as a central hub for trade and travel, symbolized by the imagery of banners and a great highway, underscoring the potential for national pride and unity.
By James McIntyre · First published 1885 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Criticism, Historical · 167 words
First lines
A land o'er flowing with milk and honey Where the industrious may gather money, Here men do not rank for wealth they inherit, The stamp of nobility is one of merit.
Though we cannot boast of antiquities old We truly can boast of mines of pure gold, And the discoveries at Fraser River Hudson Bay monopoly to pieces will shiver.
For Britain at present little would move her To present to Canada Hudson Bay and Vancouver, Then she would be a yoang giant empire As great as a Briton could well desire.
Then with the whole of British America United by railroad as well as by law, Proudly we might with banners unfurled Proclaim her the great highway of the world.
What this Textopian page supports
Lines on Canada is listed on Textopian as a poem by James McIntyre, dated 1885 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James McIntyre
- Date: 1885 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Criticism, Historical, Patriotic, Social Commentary
- Length: 167 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Literary Criticism — The poem reflects on the themes of national identity and the merits of Canadian society, critiquing and celebrating its attributes.
- Historical — The content discusses historical aspects of Canada, including references to its resources and colonial context.
- Patriotic — The poem expresses pride in Canada and its potential as a nation, aligning with themes of patriotism.
Tags
Poetry · Canadian Literature · 19th Century Poetry · Humorous Verse · Satire · Nationalism · Patriotism · Geography · Travel Writing · Literary Satire · Social Commentary · Irony