Astraea at the Capitol. Abolition of Slavery in
The poem describes a scene at the Capitol building where Astraea, the goddess of justice, appears to Congress. She urges them to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia. The speaker portrays the institution of slavery as a moral evil that must be eradicated. The poem emphasizes the importance of immediate action and criticizes those who would delay or obstruct the abolition of slavery.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1862 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Political · 499 words
First lines
WHEN first I saw our banner wave Above the nation's council-hall, I heard beneath its marble wall The clanking fetters of the slave!
In the foul market-place I stood, And saw the Christian mother sold, And childhood with its locks of gold, Blue-eyed and fair with Saxon blood.
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Astraea at the Capitol. Abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia, 1862 is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1862 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: 1862 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, Political, Social Commentary, Inspirational
- Length: 499 words
- Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Astraea at the Capitol. Abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia, 1862 by John Greenleaf Whittier
- 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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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter to convey its themes.
- Historical — The poem addresses the historical context of slavery and its abolition in the District of Columbia.
- Political — The themes revolve around justice, freedom, and the political climate surrounding slavery.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques societal norms and injustices related to slavery and human rights.
Tags
American Literature · Abolitionism · Slavery · District of Columbia · History · Politics · Poetry · Social Justice · Civil War Era · 19th Century · United States · Government