The Jubilee Singers
The Jubilee Singers are a group of former slaves who form a choir to raise funds for their college. They tour the South and North, performing spirituals and other music. The story follows their struggles and triumphs as they face racism, poverty, and personal loss while trying to achieve their goal.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1867 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Spiritual · 211 words
First lines
A number of students of Fisk University, under the direction of one of the officers, gave a series of concerts in the Northern States, for the purpose of establishing the college on a firmer financial foundation. Their hymns and songs, mostly in a minor key, touched the hearts of the people, and were received as peculiarly expressive of a race delivered from bondage.
VOICE of a people suffering long, The pathos of their mournful song, The sorrow of their night of wrong!
Their cry like that which Israel gave, A prayer for one to guide and save, Like Moses by the Red Sea's wave!
The stern accord her timbrel lent To Miriam's note of triumph sent O'er Egypt's sunken armament!
What this Textopian page supports
The Jubilee Singers 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, Spiritual, Social Commentary, Biography
- Length: 211 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Jubilee Singers 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 Jubilee Singers?
- 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
- Placido The Slave Poet by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Burdens Of All by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- The Dying Fugitive by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Song Of Slaves In The Desert by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Home Sweet Home by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- The Dying Bondman by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical elements characteristic of poetry.
- Historical — The themes and context reflect historical events related to slavery and the African American experience.
- Spiritual — The content focuses on hymns and songs that express spiritual themes and the quest for freedom.
- Social Commentary — The work addresses social issues, particularly the struggles against slavery and the fight for civil rights.
Tags
Historical Fiction · American Literature · Slavery · Abolitionism · Music · African American History · Fugitive Slave Act · Underground Railroad · Civil War Era · Social Justice · Racism · Freedom