The Men of Old
This poem portrays the decline of traditional values and the rise of modernity. It describes how men who were once strong and virtuous have become weak and corrupt. The speaker laments the loss of a bygone era, when men were guided by honor, duty, and morality. He contrasts this with the present day, where men are driven by self-interest and materialism.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1827 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Religious · 622 words
First lines
"WELL speed thy mission, bold Iconoclast! Yet all unworthy of its trust thou art, If, with dry eye, and cold, unloving heart, Thou tread'st the solemn Pantheon of the Past, By the great Future's dazzling hope made blind To all the beauty, power, and truth behind. Not without reverent awe shouldst thou put by The cypress branches and the amaranth blooms, Where, with clasped hands of prayer, upon their tombs The effigies of old confessors lie, God's witnesses; the voices of His will, Heard in the slow march of the centuries still Such were the men at whose rebuking frown, Dark with God's wrath, the tyrant's knee went down; Such from the terrors of the guilty drew The vassal's freedom and the poor man's due."
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The Men of Old is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1827 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: 1827 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, Religious, Philosophical, Social Commentary
- Length: 622 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing meter and rhyme, characteristic of poetic form.
- Historical — The themes revolve around historical figures and events, reflecting on the past's impact on present and future.
- Religious — The text discusses spiritual themes, moral values, and the role of faith in societal issues.
- Philosophical — It explores deep questions about morality, freedom, and the human condition.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · 19th Century · New England · Historical Fiction · Folklore · Mythology · Norse Mythology · Viking Legends · Epic Poetry · Narrative Verse · Free Verse