Moloch in State Street

Name: Moloch in State Street
Author: John Greenleaf Whittier

The poem describes a scene of industrialization and urbanization, where the city's growth has led to the exploitation of its workers. The speaker likens the city to Moloch, an ancient deity associated with child sacrifice, suggesting that the city consumes its own children in exchange for progress. The poem portrays the city as a monstrous entity that devours its inhabitants, leaving them exhausted and worn out. The speaker describes the city's streets as crowded and noisy, with people rushing to and fro, driven by their desire for wealth and material possessions. The poem also touches on the theme of social class, highlighting the stark contrast between the wealthy elite and the working-class citizens who are struggling to make ends meet. The speaker suggests that the city's growth has led to a widening gap between the haves and have-nots, with the wealthy accumulating more power and wealth while the poor are left behind. Ultimately, the poem presents a bleak vision of urban life, where the pursuit of progress and material comfort comes at the cost of human dignity and well-being.

By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1866 · Genre: Political Poetry, Social Critique, Historical Poetry · 608 words

First lines

In a foot-note of the Report of the Senate of Massachusetts on the case of the arrest and return to bondage of the fugitive slave Thomas Sims it is stated that -- "It would have been impossible for the U. S. marshal thus successfully to have resisted the law of the State, without the assistance of the municipal authorities of Boston, and the countenance and support of a numerous, wealthy, and powerful body of citizens. It was in evidence that 1500 of the most wealthy and respectable citizens-merchants, bankers, and others -- volunteered their services to aid the marshal on this occasion. No watch was kept upon the doings of the marshal, and while the State officers slept, after the moon had gone down, in the darkest hour before daybreak, the accused was taken out of our jurisdiction by the armed police of the city of Boston. "

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Moloch in State Street is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1866 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: 1866 CE
Language: English
Genres: Political Poetry, Social Critique, Historical Poetry, Abolitionist Literature, Lyric Poetry
Length: 608 words
Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Political Poetry — The work addresses themes of freedom, justice, and the moral implications of slavery, characteristic of political poetry.
Social Critique — It critiques societal values and the complicity of citizens in the institution of slavery.
Historical Poetry — The poem references historical figures and events, grounding its themes in a specific historical context.
Abolitionist Literature — It advocates for the abolition of slavery and highlights the moral urgency of the cause.