Liberty. New Castle, July 4, 1878
The poem explores the theme of freedom and patriotism through a nostalgic portrayal of American history. It describes the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, and the subsequent growth of the nation. The speaker reflects on the sacrifices made by early Americans to achieve liberty and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1876 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Patriotic · 2,185 words
First lines
For a hundred years the pulse of time Has throbbed for Liberty; For a hundred years the grand old clime Columbia has been free; For a hundred years our country's love, The Stars and Stripes, has waved above.
Away far out on the gulf of years -- Misty and faint and white Through the fogs of wrong -- a sail appears, And the Mayflower heaves in sight, And drifts again, with its little flock Of a hundred souls, on Plymouth Rock.
What this Textopian page supports
Liberty. New Castle, July 4, 1878 is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1876 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: 1876 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, Patriotic, Inspirational, Religious
- Length: 2,185 words
- Structure: 1 section, 35 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Liberty. New Castle, July 4, 1878 by James Whitcomb Riley
- 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 Liberty. New Castle, July 4, 1878?
- How does this poem by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery, characteristic of poetic form.
- Historical — The text references historical events and figures, such as the Mayflower and Independence Bell, to explore themes of liberty and freedom.
- Patriotic — The work celebrates national pride and the concept of liberty, emphasizing the struggles and triumphs of a nation.
- Inspirational — The themes of hope, perseverance, and freedom are intended to inspire and uplift the reader.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · Historical Fiction · Nostalgia · Patriotism · Independence Day · New Castle · Indiana · 19th Century · Regionalism · Local Color · Coming of Age