Le Marais Du Cygne
The poem tells the story of a young woman who lives in a marshy area and is pursued by a suitor. She rejects him, but he continues to pursue her, eventually killing her in a fit of rage. The poem explores themes of love, rejection, and violence.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1856 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Political · 440 words
First lines
The massacre of unarmed and unoffending men, in Southern Kansas, in May, 1858, took place near the Marais du Cygne of the French voyageurs.
A BLUSH as of roses Where rose never grew! Great drops on the bunch-grass, But not of the dew! A taint in the sweet air For wild bees to shun! A stain that shall never Bleach out in the sun.
What this Textopian page supports
Le Marais Du Cygne is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1856 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: 1856 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, Political, Social Commentary, Narrative
- Length: 440 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Le Marais Du Cygne by John Greenleaf Whittier
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices such as imagery, meter, and rhyme.
- Historical — The poem addresses a specific historical event, reflecting on the massacre in Southern Kansas.
- Political — Themes of liberty, justice, and moral contrasts are central, engaging with political issues of the time.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques societal violence and the impact on families and communities.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Poetry · Symbolism · Allegory · Feminist Themes · Social Commentary · Romanticism · Imagery · Metaphor · Mythology