John Boyle o'Reilly. Sepulture -- Boston, August
The poem commemorates the death of a Fenian leader who died in Boston after escaping from prison in Australia. It reflects on his life and legacy, and the impact of his sacrifice on the Irish-American community. The speaker mourns the loss of a hero and a symbol of resistance against British rule.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Elegy, Patriotic · 243 words
First lines
Dead? this peerless man of men -- / Patriot, Poet, Citizen! -- / Dead? and ye weep where he lies / Mute, with folded eyes!
Courage! All his tears are done; / Mark him, dauntless, face the sun! / He hath led you. -- Still, as true, / He is leading you.
Folded eyes and folded hands / Typify divine commands / He is hearkening to, intent / Beyond wonderment.
'Tis promotion that has come / Thus upon him. Stricken dumb / Be your moanings dolorous! / God knows what He does.
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Elegy — The poem mourns the death of a respected individual, reflecting on his life and legacy, typical of an elegy.
- Patriotic — Themes of patriotism and national pride are evident, as it celebrates the subject's contributions to society.
- Inspirational — The poem encourages readers to aspire and continue the legacy of the deceased, providing motivation and inspiration.
Tags
Poem · Elegy · Ode · Irish-American · Literary · Historical · Biographical · Autobiographical · Memoir · Tribute · Funeral · Boston
What this Textopian page supports
John Boyle o'Reilly. Sepulture -- Boston, August 13, 1890 is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1887 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Elegy, Patriotic, Inspirational, Biographical
- Length: 243 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for John Boyle o'Reilly. Sepulture -- Boston, August 13, 1890 by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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