Yorktown by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem describes the Battle of Yorktown during the American Revolutionary War. It portrays General Washington's leadership and the bravery of his troops. The narrative focuses on the siege and the eventual surrender of British forces, highlighting the strategic importance of the battle in securing American independence.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1837 · Genre: Historical Poetry, Political Commentary, War Literature · 1,043 words
First lines
Dr. Thacher, surgeon in Scammel's regiment, in his description of the siege of Yorktown, says: "The labor on the Virginia plantations is performed altogether by a species of the human race cruelly wrested from their native country, and doomed to perpetual bondage, while their masters are manfully contending for freedom and the natural rights of man. Such is the inconsistency of human nature. " Eighteen hundred slaves were found at Yorktown, after its surrender, and restored to their masters. Well was it said by Dr. Barnes, in his late work on Slavery: "No slave was any nearer his freedom after the surrender of Yorktown than when Patrick Henry first taught the notes of liberty to echo among the hills and vales of Virginia. "
What this Textopian page supports
Yorktown is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1837 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: 1837 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Poetry, Political Commentary, War Literature, Social Critique, Patriotic Literature
- Length: 1,043 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Yorktown 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
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Yorktown?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Historical Poetry — The work reflects on historical events, specifically the siege of Yorktown, using poetic form to convey themes of freedom and human rights.
- Political Commentary — It critiques the contradictions of liberty and slavery during the American Revolution, addressing the moral implications of freedom.
- War Literature — The poem captures the experiences and aftermath of war, highlighting the impact on both soldiers and civilians.
- Social Critique — It examines societal issues, particularly the institution of slavery and its effects on human dignity.
Tags
Historical Fiction · American Literature · Poetry · War Poetry · Civil War Era · Yorktown Siege · American Revolution · Patriotism · Nationalism · Freedom · Slavery · Abolitionism