The Kansas Emigrants
The poem tells the story of a group of settlers traveling to Kansas during the Bleeding Kansas period. They are portrayed as idealistic and optimistic, but also naive about the harsh realities they will face. The poem explores themes of freedom, morality, and the clash between different values in American society.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1856 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Political · 257 words
First lines
This poem and the three following were called out by the popular movement of Free State men to occupy the territory of Kansas, and by the use of the great democratic weapon -- an over-powering majority -- to settle the conflict on that ground between Freedom and Slavery. The opponents of the movement used another kind of weapon.
WE cross the prairie as of old The pilgrims crossed the sea, To make the West, as they the East, The homestead of the free!
We go to rear a wall of men On Freedom's southern line, And plant beside the cotton-tree The rugged Northern pine!
We're flowing from our native hills As our free rivers flow; The blessing of our Mother-land Is on us as we go.
What this Textopian page supports
The Kansas Emigrants is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1856 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: 1856 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, Political, Social Commentary, Narrative
- Length: 257 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Kansas Emigrants by John Greenleaf Whittier
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is primarily a poem, utilizing verse and meter to convey its themes.
- Historical — The poem addresses historical events related to the settlement of Kansas and the conflict over slavery.
- Political — The themes revolve around the political struggle between freedom and slavery, reflecting the socio-political climate of the time.
- Social Commentary — The poem critiques societal issues and advocates for the establishment of free institutions.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · 19th Century · Historical Fiction · Migration · Settlement · Frontier Life · Pioneer Experience · Kansas Territory · Westward Expansion · Social Commentary · Politics