A Word for the Hour
The poem is a call to action, urging Americans to stand up against the injustice of slavery and fight for freedom and equality. It was written during the American Civil War era and reflects the poet's strong abolitionist views. The language is powerful and emotive, with vivid imagery and rhetorical flourishes that emphasize the urgency of the cause.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1858 · Genre: Poetry, Political Commentary, Philosophical · 266 words
First lines
THE firmament breaks up. In black eclipse Light after light goes out. One evil star, Luridly glaring through the smoke of war, As in the dream of the Apocalypse, Drags others down. Let us not weakly weep Nor rashly threaten. Give us grace to keep Our faith and patience; wherefore should we leap On one hand into fratricidal fight, Or, on the other, yield eternal right, Frame lies of law, and good and ill confound? What fear we? Safe on freedom's vantage-ground Our feet are planted: let us there remain In unrevengeful calm, no means untried Which truth can sanction, no just claim denied.
What this Textopian page supports
A Word for the Hour is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1858 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1858 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Political Commentary, Philosophical, Historical, Social Critique
- Length: 266 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Political Commentary — It addresses themes of war, union, and social justice, reflecting on the political climate of the time.
- Philosophical — The text explores deep moral and ethical questions regarding conflict and human rights.
- Historical — It is set against the backdrop of a specific historical period, reflecting the sentiments of that era.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · 19th Century · Social Commentary · Politics · Slavery · Abolitionism · Civil War Era · Free Verse · Lyric Poetry · Patriotism · Nationalism