The New Exodus
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 · 289 words
First lines
Written upon hearing that slavery had been formally abolished in Egypt. Unhappily, the professions and pledges of the vacillating government of Egypt proved unreliable.
BY fire and cloud, across the desert sand, And through the parted waves, From their long bondage, with an outstretched hand, God led the Hebrew slaves!
Dead as the letter of the Pentateuch, As Egypt's statues cold, In the adytum of the sacred book Now stands that marvel old.
"Lo, God is great! " the simple Moslem says. We seek the ancient date, Turn the dry scroll, and make that living phrase A dead one: "God was great!"
What this Textopian page supports
The New Exodus is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1864 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: 1864 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Historical Poetry, Social Commentary, Inspirational Literature, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 289 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The New Exodus 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 New Exodus?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- By Their Works by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Dedication Poem by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Song Of Slaves In The Desert by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Arisen At Last by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Burdens Of All by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- The Female Martyr by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Religious Poetry — The work explores themes of divine intervention and liberation, reflecting on spiritual beliefs and historical events.
- Historical Poetry — It references historical events related to slavery and freedom, particularly the Exodus narrative.
- Social Commentary — The poem critiques societal and governmental failures regarding freedom and justice.
- Inspirational Literature — It aims to inspire hope and faith in the face of oppression and adversity.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · 19th Century · Religious Themes · Social Justice · Slavery · Abolitionism · Freedom · Equality · Human Rights · Christianity · Biblical Allusions