This poem is a retelling of the biblical story of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, but with a focus on the American experience of slavery and freedom. It describes the struggles and hardships faced by African Americans during their journey to freedom in the North, drawing parallels between the two experiences. The poem emphasizes the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1864 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Historical Poetry, Social Commentary