Oglethorpe by Madison Cawein (1905)

Name: Oglethorpe
Author: Madison Cawein

The work is an ode celebrating the foundation of a new university, reflecting on the historical significance of education and the pursuit of knowledge in the face of contemporary challenges. It begins by invoking the pride of the past, emphasizing the importance of knowledge as a guiding force for the South and the nation. The speaker acknowledges the tumultuous times marked by war and moral decay, contrasting the ideals of beauty and truth with the harsh realities of life. The poem calls for the university to serve as a beacon of hope and a temple of Ideality, where higher truths can be sought amidst the chaos of materialism and militarism. It envisions the institution as a source of enlightenment, capable of evolving a new creed that reconciles fragmented beliefs and fosters a commitment to peace, thought, and beauty. As the work progresses, it emphasizes the need for the university to stand firm against the forces of hate and ignorance, advocating for science, art, and the cultivation of faith. The speaker expresses a desire for the institution to inspire poets and thinkers who can elevate the human spirit and guide society toward a more noble existence. Ultimately, the ode envisions the university as a transformative force, empowering individuals to transcend their limitations and embrace a higher purpose. It concludes with a call for resilience and introspection, urging humanity to seek a deeper understanding of life and its enduring truths, thus ensuring a legacy of wisdom and virtue for future generations.

By Madison Cawein · First published 1905 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical · 1,450 words

First lines

_An Ode to be read on the laying of the foundation stone of the new Oglethorpe University, January, 1915, at Atlanta, Georgia_

I. As when with oldtime passion for this Land Here once she stood, and in her pride, sent forth Workmen on every hand, Sowing the seed of knowledge South and North, More gracious now than ever, let her rise, The splendor of a new dawn in her eyes; Grave, youngest sister of that company, That smiling wear Laurel and pine And wild magnolias in their flowing hair; The sisters Academe, With thoughts divine, Standing with eyes a-dream, Gazing beyond the world, into the sea, Where lie the Islands of Infinity.

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Oglethorpe is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1905 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Madison Cawein
Date: 1905 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical, Historical, Religious
Length: 1,450 words
Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is structured as an ode, employing poetic devices and a lyrical style.
Inspirational — The themes focus on hope, knowledge, and the uplifting of humanity, characteristic of inspirational literature.
Philosophical — The text explores deep questions about existence, morality, and the human condition.
Historical — The poem references historical contexts, particularly relating to war and societal change.