To Englishmen
The poem is a satirical critique of the British aristocracy and their treatment of the working class during the Industrial Revolution. It portrays the Englishmen as arrogant, self-righteous, and dismissive of the struggles of the common people. The speaker describes them as "proudly" wearing their "crown" of oppression, highlighting the irony of their claim to superiority while perpetuating social injustice.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1866 · Genre: Political Poetry, Social Commentary, Patriotic Literature · 479 words
First lines
Written when, in the stress of our terrible war, the English ruling class, with few exceptions, were either coldly indifferent or hostile to the party of freedom. Their attitude was illustrated by caricatures of America, among which was one of a slaveholder and cowhide, with the motto, "Haven't I a right to wallop my nigger? "
You flung your taunt across the wave We bore it as became us, Well knowing that the fettered slave Left friendly lips no option save To pity or to blame us.
What this Textopian page supports
To Englishmen is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1866 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: 1866 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Political Poetry, Social Commentary, Patriotic Literature, Historical Poetry, Lyric Poetry
- Length: 479 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Political Poetry — The work addresses political themes, particularly the issue of slavery and the moral stance of England during the American Civil War.
- Social Commentary — It critiques societal attitudes towards slavery and highlights the hypocrisy of the English ruling class.
- Patriotic Literature — The poem expresses a sense of shared heritage and kinship between Americans and Englishmen, invoking national pride.
- Historical Poetry — It references historical events and figures, linking contemporary issues to the past.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Patriotism · Nationalism · English Identity · Colonialism · Imperialism · Social Commentary · Politics · History · Cultural Critique