The Slave-Ships
This poem depicts the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade from the perspective of a former slave who has been rescued by British abolitionists. The speaker describes the brutal conditions on board slave ships and the inhumane treatment of enslaved people, including overcrowding, starvation, and physical abuse. The poem also highlights the role of British naval patrols in intercepting and freeing captured slaves.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1858 · Genre: Poetry, Historical Literature, Social Commentary · 1,282 words
First lines
"That fatal, that perfidious bark, Built I' the eclipse, and rigged with curses dark. "MILTON'S Lycidas.
What this Textopian page supports
The Slave-Ships is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1858 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: 1858 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical Literature, Social Commentary, Narrative Nonfiction, Tragedy
- Length: 1,282 words
- Structure: 1 section, 20 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices such as meter, rhyme, and imagery.
- Historical Literature — It addresses historical events related to the transatlantic slave trade, providing a narrative on the conditions and experiences of enslaved individuals.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques the moral and ethical implications of slavery, highlighting human suffering and injustice.
- Narrative Nonfiction — It presents factual accounts and descriptions of events, blending storytelling with historical reality.
Tags
Poetry · Slavery · Abolitionism · Nautical · Historical · Social Justice · Human Rights · Freedom · Oppression · Exploitation · Morality · Ethics