Howard at Atlanta
The poem tells the story of a young man named Howard who returns to his hometown of Atlanta after serving in the Civil War. He is met with suspicion and hostility by the townspeople due to his involvement with the Union army. Despite this, he remains steadfast in his convictions and eventually wins over some of the townspeople through his kindness and generosity.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1860 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Social Commentary · 337 words
First lines
RIGHT in the track where Sherman Ploughed his red furrow, Out of the narrow cabin, Up from the cellar's burrow, Gathered the little black people, With freedom newly dowered, Where, beside their Northern teacher, Stood the soldier, Howard.
He listened and heard the children Of the poor and long-enslaved Reading the words of Jesus, Singing the songs of David. Behold! -- the dumb lips speaking, The blind eyes seeing! Bones of the Prophet's vision Warmed into being!
What this Textopian page supports
Howard at Atlanta is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1860 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: 1860 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, Social Commentary, Inspirational, Religious
- Length: 337 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Howard at Atlanta 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Howard at Atlanta?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Branded Hand by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Hymn Of The Children by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Sentence Of John L Brown by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Burdens Of All by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Laus Deo by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Curse Of The Charter Breakers by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter characteristic of poetry.
- Historical — The poem addresses themes related to the aftermath of the Civil War and the experiences of formerly enslaved people.
- Social Commentary — It reflects on social issues such as race, freedom, and the human condition in the context of American history.
- Inspirational — The poem conveys a message of hope and resilience, encouraging unity and progress.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · Civil War Era · Historical Fiction · Slavery · Abolitionism · Atlanta Campaign · Battle of Atlanta · War Poetry · Free Verse · Narrative Poem · Autobiographical Elements