The Hive at Gettysburg
This poem describes the Battle of Gettysburg from a Union perspective. It portrays the Confederate army as a swarm of insects, emphasizing their overwhelming numbers and ferocity. The poem also highlights the bravery and sacrifice of the Union soldiers who fought against them.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1867 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Allegory · 239 words
First lines
IN the old Hebrew myth the lion's frame, So terrible alive, Bleached by the desert's sun and wind, became The wandering wild bees' hive; And he who, lone and naked-handed, tore Those jaws of death apart, In after time drew forth their honeyed store To strengthen his strong heart.
Dead seemed the legend: but it only slept To wake beneath our sky; Just on the spot whence ravening Treason crept Back to its lair to die, Bleeding and torn from Freedom's mountain bounds, A stained and shattered drum Is now the hive where, on their flowery rounds, The wild bees go and come.
What this Textopian page supports
The Hive at Gettysburg 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, Allegory, Nature, Philosophical
- Length: 239 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Hive at Gettysburg 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 Hive at Gettysburg?
- 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
- Gettysburg The Check July 1863 by Herman Melville
- And The Greatest Of These Is War by James Weldon Johnson
- The Conquest Of Finland by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Battle Autumn Of 1862 by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Soldier Poet by Hervey Allen
- Lexington 1775 by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Historical — The themes and references relate to historical events, particularly the Civil War.
- Allegory — The text uses symbolic elements to convey deeper meanings about conflict and resolution.
- Nature — Nature imagery is prevalent, reflecting on the environment and its transformation post-conflict.
Tags
American Civil War · Historical Fiction · Poetry · Battlefield · War Literature · Gettysburg Address · Patriotism · Nationalism · Union Army · Confederate States · Battle of Gettysburg · Literary Nonfiction