Our Country
The poem explores the theme of American identity and patriotism, contrasting the country's ideals with its flaws and injustices. It critiques the treatment of Native Americans and African Americans, while also acknowledging the struggles of the working class. The speaker expresses a sense of disillusionment with the country's failure to live up to its founding principles.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1845 · Genre: Poetry, Patriotic Literature, Social Commentary · 763 words
First lines
Read at Woodstock, Conn., July 4,1883.
WE give thy natal day to hope, O Country of our love and prayer I Thy way is down no fatal slope, But up to freer sun and air.
What this Textopian page supports
Our Country is listed on Textopian as an essay by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1845 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1845 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Patriotic Literature, Social Commentary, Inspirational Literature, Historical Reflection
- Length: 763 words
- Structure: 1 section, 26 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Our Country 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 Our Country?
- How does this essay by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetry.
- Patriotic Literature — The themes revolve around national pride, hope for the future, and a celebration of the country's values and history.
- Social Commentary — The text addresses social issues, including justice, equality, and the responsibilities of citizenship.
- Inspirational Literature — The work aims to inspire readers with a vision of hope and progress for the nation.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Nationalism · Patriotism · Social Commentary · Politics · History · Culture · Society · Morality · Ethics · Values