The Young Warrior
The poem depicts a young warrior preparing to embark on a significant battle, addressing his mother with a mix of courage and determination. He urges her not to mourn or express fear but to support him with blessings and prayers. The warrior emphasizes the importance of the cause he is fighting for, indicating a sense of duty and honor. He requests that his mother pray not for his safety but for his strength and resolve to fight valiantly against injustice. The imagery conveys a deep sense of commitment to a noble cause, highlighting themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the emotional bond between mother and son. The warrior's call to action reflects a broader struggle, symbolizing the fight against oppression and the quest for righteousness. The poem encapsulates the spirit of youthful idealism and the weight of responsibility that comes with it, portraying the warrior as both a son and a champion of justice.
By James Weldon Johnson · First published 1930 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Inspirational · 169 words
First lines
Mother, shed no mournful tears, But gird me on my sword;
And give no utterance to thy fears, But bless me with thy word.
The lines are drawn! The fight is on!
A cause is to be won!
What this Textopian page supports
The Young Warrior is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Weldon Johnson, dated 1930 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Weldon Johnson
- Date: 1930 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Inspirational, Historical, Coming-of-Age
- Length: 169 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Young Warrior by James Weldon Johnson
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- The Reward by James Weldon Johnson
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Literary Fiction — The themes of struggle, courage, and moral integrity reflect the depth and character exploration found in literary fiction.
- Inspirational — The poem conveys a message of bravery and determination, aiming to inspire readers.
- Historical — The context of battle and the call to arms suggest historical themes relevant to specific struggles.
Tags
Coming-of-Age · Adventure · Fiction · Literary Fiction · American Literature · Historical Fiction · War Novel · Young Adult · Male Protagonist · Identity Crisis · Self-Discovery · Social Commentary