The Emancipation Group
This poem portrays the struggles of African Americans during the American Civil War era. It describes their efforts to gain freedom and equality through various means, including armed resistance and diplomatic negotiations. The speaker emphasizes the importance of unity among abolitionists and African Americans in achieving their goals.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1838 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Social Commentary · 274 words
First lines
Moses Kimball, a citizen of Boston, presented to the city a duplicate of the Freedman's Memorial statue erected in Lincoln Square, Washington. The group, which stands in Park Square, represents the figure of a slave, from whose limbs the broken fetters have fallen, kneeling in gratitude at the feet of Lincoln. The group was designed by Thomas Ball, and was unveiled December 9, 1879. These verses were written for the occasion.
AMIDST thy sacred effigies Of old renown give place, O city, Freedom-loved! to his Whose hand unchained a race.
Take the worn frame, that rested not Save in a martyr's grave; The care-lined face, that none forgot, Bent to the kneeling slave.
What this Textopian page supports
The Emancipation Group is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1838 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: 1838 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, Social Commentary, Inspirational, Political
- Length: 274 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Emancipation Group 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 The Emancipation Group?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Crisis by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Sumner by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Astraea At The Capitol Abolition Of Slavery In The District Of Columbia 1862 by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Response by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Burdens Of All by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Hymn For The Celebration Of Emancipation At Newburyport by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is composed of verses that express themes of freedom and justice, characteristic of poetic form.
- Historical — The content reflects historical events and figures related to emancipation and civil rights.
- Social Commentary — The verses provide insights into societal issues regarding slavery and freedom.
- Inspirational — The work aims to inspire and evoke feelings of gratitude and justice.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Abolitionist Movement · Slavery · Freedom · Emancipation · Social Justice · 19th Century · Historical Context · Politics · Activism · Prose and Poetry