Song for the Luddites by Lord Byron
The poem explores themes of industrialization and its effects on society, particularly the working class. It expresses a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time and critiques the dehumanizing aspects of modern industry. The speaker advocates for a return to traditional craftsmanship and a rejection of the mechanized world.
By Lord Byron · First published 1816 · Genre: Poetry, Political, Historical · 163 words
First lines
I / As the Liberty lads o'er the sea / Bought their freedom, and cheaply, with blood, / So we, boys, we / Will die fighting, or live free, / And down with all kings but King Ludd!
II / When the web that we weave is complete, / And the shuttle exchanged for the sword, / We will fling the winding sheet / O'er the despot at our feet, / And dye it deep in the gore he has pour'd.
III / Though black as his heart its hue, / Since his veins are corrupted to mud, / Yet this is the dew / Which the tree shall renew / Of Liberty, planted by Ludd!
What this Textopian page supports
Song for the Luddites is listed on Textopian as a poem by Lord Byron, dated 1816 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Lord Byron
- Date: 1816 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Political, Historical, Romantic, Satire
- Length: 163 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Song for the Luddites by Lord Byron
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with stanzas and a rhythmic pattern, characteristic of poetry.
- Political — The themes revolve around rebellion, freedom, and opposition to authority, reflecting political sentiments.
- Historical — References to the Luddites and historical context of industrial unrest provide a historical backdrop.
- Romantic — The style and themes align with Romanticism, emphasizing emotion and individualism.
Tags
Romanticism · Poetry · Industrialization · Luddites · Social Commentary · Critique of Capitalism · Worker's Rights · Protest Literature · 19th Century · English Literature · Rebellion · Revolution