Laus Deo! by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem is a tribute to the American Revolution and its ideals of liberty and freedom. It commemorates the raising of the flag at Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, which inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner." The poem's central theme is the triumph of democracy over tyranny, with the phrase "Laus Deo" (Praise be to God) serving as a declaration of gratitude for divine intervention.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1863 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Historical Poetry, Patriotic Poetry · 424 words
First lines
On hearing the bells ring on the passage of the constitutional amendment abolishing slavery. The resolution was adopted by Congress, January 31, 1865. The ratification by the requisite number of states was announced December 18, 1865.
IT is done! Clang of bell and roar of gun Send the tidings up and down. How the belfries rock and reel! How the great guns, peal on peal, Fling the joy from town to town!
What this Textopian page supports
Laus Deo! is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1863 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: 1863 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Historical Poetry, Patriotic Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 424 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for Laus Deo! by John Greenleaf Whittier
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Religious Poetry — The work expresses themes of divine intervention, redemption, and spiritual triumph, characteristic of religious poetry.
- Historical Poetry — The poem reflects on a significant historical event, the abolition of slavery, and its societal implications.
- Patriotic Poetry — The celebration of freedom and national progress aligns with themes of patriotism and national pride.
- Lyric Poetry — The personal and emotional tone, along with the focus on individual response to events, fits the lyric poetry genre.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · Patriotism · War Poetry · Civil War Era · Free Verse · Symbolism · Nationalism · Freedom · Liberty · Slavery · Abolitionist