After Election
The poem explores the aftermath of a presidential election where the winner's legitimacy is disputed due to allegations of voter suppression and electoral irregularities. The speaker reflects on the consequences of this event, including social unrest, economic instability, and a breakdown in trust between citizens and their government.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1854 · Genre: Poetry, Political Commentary, Historical · 287 words
First lines
THE day's sharp strife is ended now, Our work is done, God knoweth how! As on the thronged, unrestful town The patience of the moon looks down, I wait to hear, beside the wire, The voices of its tongues of fire.
Slow, doubtful, faint, they seem at first Be strong, my heart, to know the worst! Hark! there the Alleghanies spoke; That sound from lake and prairie broke, That sunset-gun of triumph rent The silence of a continent!
That signal from Nebraska sprung, This, from Nevada's mountain tongue! Is that thy answer, strong and free, O loyal heart of Tennessee? What strange, glad voice is that which calls From Wagner's grave and Sumter's walls?
What this Textopian page supports
After Election is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1854 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: 1854 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Political Commentary, Historical, Religious, Inspirational
- Length: 287 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for After Election by John Greenleaf Whittier
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Similar titles
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- Our Country by John Greenleaf Whittier
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- To A Republican Friend 1848 by Matthew Arnold
- The Eve Of Election by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetry.
- Political Commentary — The themes revolve around the aftermath of an election, reflecting on freedom and national unity.
- Historical — The context relates to a specific historical moment in American history, addressing issues of freedom and civil rights.
- Religious — The text includes references to God and divine providence, indicating a spiritual dimension.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · 19th Century · Politics · Social Commentary · Election · Democracy · Citizenship · Responsibility · Power · Corruption · Morality