The Ship-Builders
The poem describes the lives of shipbuilders and their struggles with poverty and hard labor. It portrays a bleak picture of working-class life in New England during the 19th century. The speaker reflects on the hardships faced by these workers, including long hours, low wages, and poor living conditions. The poem also touches on themes of class struggle and the exploitation of workers by wealthy shipowners.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1834 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Narrative · 523 words
First lines
THE sky is ruddy in the east, The earth is gray below, And, spectral in the river-mist, The ship's white timbers show. Then let the sounds of measured stroke And grating saw begin; The broad-axe to the gnarled oak, The mallet to the pin!
Hark! roars the bellows, blast on blast, The sooty smithy jars, And fire-sparks, rising far and fast, Are fading with the stars. All day for us the smith shall stand Beside that flashing forge; All day for us his heavy hand The groaning anvil scourge.
What this Textopian page supports
The Ship-Builders is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1834 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: 1834 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Narrative, Lyric, Historical
- Length: 523 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, craftsmanship, and the celebration of human endeavor reflect Romantic ideals.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story of shipbuilding, incorporating elements of narrative structure.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections on labor and nature.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · 19th Century · Maritime · Nautical · Shipbuilding · Industry · Labor · Working Class · Social Commentary · Economic Conditions · Historical Fiction