De Name of Ole Virginia
The work explores themes of nostalgia, memory, and the deep emotional ties to the land and heritage of Virginia, particularly from the perspective of an African American narrator reflecting on their past. The narrator expresses a longing for the old plantation life, evoking a sense of loss and yearning for a return to a place filled with personal significance. The narrative is imbued with a sense of bittersweet remembrance, as the speaker recalls the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay and the connections to loved ones who have passed away. The mention of freedom juxtaposes the pain of separation from those who were once part of their life, highlighting the complexities of emancipation and the lingering ties to the past. The imagery of nature, such as the grass on the hill and the rain, serves to enhance the emotional landscape, symbolizing both the beauty of the South and the sorrow of absence. The invocation of spiritual elements, like the mention of Brer Gabriel, suggests a hope for reunion in the afterlife, reinforcing the themes of faith and continuity beyond death. Overall, the work captures the essence of a deep-rooted connection to place and the enduring impact of history on personal identity, reflecting the struggles and resilience of those who have lived through significant social changes. The lyrical quality of the language and the use of dialect further enrich the narrative, grounding it in a specific cultural context while also universalizing the experience of longing and remembrance.
By Thomas Nelson Page · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Regional Literature, Historical Fiction · 247 words
First lines
SONG
De old place on de Ches'peake Bay Is in my heart to-night -- I hopes to git back d'yar some day, An' hongers for de sight.
Dee come an' tole me I was free, An' all my work was done; I left dem whar was good to me, An' now I 'se all alone.
De name of ole Virginia Is sweet as rain in drouf -- Oh! Master, say, has you been dy'ar? Hit 's way down in de Souf.
What this Textopian page supports
De Name of Ole Virginia is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas Nelson Page, dated 1887 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Thomas Nelson Page
- Date: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Regional Literature, Historical Fiction, African American Literature, Romanticism
- Length: 247 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for De Name of Ole Virginia by Thomas Nelson Page
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form, utilizing rhythm and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Regional Literature — The themes and setting focus on Virginia, reflecting the culture and experiences of the Southern United States.
- Historical Fiction — The poem evokes historical elements related to the South, particularly the plantation era and its social dynamics.
- African American Literature — The work reflects the voice and experiences of African Americans, particularly in the context of slavery and freedom.
Tags
Southern literature · American South · Civil War · Virginia · Historical fiction · Plantation life · Slavery · Racial themes · Folklore · Regionalism · Nostalgia · Character-driven