On the Big Horn
The poem describes a Native American's lament for his lost love, who has been taken by the white man. The speaker reflects on the beauty of nature and the transience of human life. He mourns the loss of his people's way of life and the destruction caused by the encroaching settlers.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1867 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Narrative · 648 words
First lines
In the disastrous battle on the Big Horn River, in which General Custer and his entire force were slain, the chief Rain-in-the-Face was one of the fiercest leaders of the Indians. In Longfellow's poem on the massacre, these lines will be remembered: -- "Revenge! " cried Rain-in-the-Face, "Revenge upon all the race Of the White Chief with yellow hair! " And the mountains dark and high From their crags reechoed the cry Of his anger and despair.
What this Textopian page supports
On the Big Horn is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1867 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: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, Narrative, Cultural, Inspirational
- Length: 648 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for On the Big Horn by John Greenleaf Whittier
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Historical — It reflects on a significant historical event, the Battle of the Big Horn, and its implications.
- Narrative — The text tells a story about the transformation of a historical figure and the themes of peace and reconciliation.
- Cultural — It explores themes of cultural identity and the intersection of Native American and European American experiences.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · Nature · Wilderness · Frontier Life · Native American · Colonialism · Imperialism · 19th Century · American West · Exploration · Adventure