The Proclamation
The poem is a tribute to the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad. It describes the struggles of enslaved people seeking freedom in the North. The speaker reflects on the bravery of those who risked their lives to help fugitive slaves escape from bondage. The poem also touches on the moral obligation of Northerners to support the abolitionist cause, highlighting the hypocrisy of a nation founded on liberty yet tolerating slavery.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1827 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Religious · 289 words
First lines
President Lincoln's proclamation of emancipation was issued January 1, 1863.
SAINT PATRICK, slave to Milcho of the herds Of Ballymena, wakened with these words "Arise, and flee Out from the land of bondage, and be free!"
Glad as a soul in pain, who hears from heaven The angels singing of his sins forgiven, And, wondering, sees His prison opening to their golden keys,
He rose a man who laid him down a slave, Shook from his locks the ashes of the grave, And outward trod Into the glorious liberty of God.
What this Textopian page supports
The Proclamation 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, Social Commentary, Inspirational
- Length: 289 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
- The Burdens Of All by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Hymn For The Celebration Of Emancipation At Newburyport by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Dedication Poem by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Out In The Cold by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Astraea At The Capitol Abolition Of Slavery In The District Of Columbia 1862 by John Greenleaf Whittier
- He Had Not Where To Lay His Head by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetry.
- Historical — The content addresses historical events, specifically the emancipation of slaves and the figure of Saint Patrick.
- Religious — Themes of divine intervention, prayer, and spiritual liberation are central to the text.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques social injustices related to slavery and advocates for freedom.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · Abolitionist · Slavery · Freedom · Emancipation · Proclamation · Lincoln's Proclamation · Civil War · 19th Century · Social Justice · Human Rights