Ave Et Vale by Voltairine De Cleyre
The work reflects on the stark contrast between societal celebrations and the suffering of the marginalized. It critiques the indifference of the privileged towards the plight of the poor, emphasizing the ongoing struggles faced by the disenfranchised. The speaker laments the deaths of those who suffer in silence, highlighting the moral decay of a society that revels while others perish. The text calls for a collective remembrance of the oppressed, urging the audience to acknowledge their struggles as they welcome a new year. It paints a vivid picture of the human cost of capitalism, where the laborers are exploited and their dignity stripped away. The imagery of broken lives and the despair of children serves to evoke a sense of urgency for social change. The speaker envisions a future where equality prevails, where the fruits of labor are shared among all, and where no one suffers for the benefit of another. This idealistic vision contrasts sharply with the current reality, suggesting that the time for change is now. The work serves as a rallying cry for solidarity among the working class, encouraging them to rise against oppression and claim their rightful place in society. Ultimately, the piece is a powerful indictment of social injustice, urging readers to awaken from complacency and strive for a world where all can thrive together, free from the chains of exploitation. It emphasizes the importance of collective action and the belief that a better future is possible through unity and resistance.
By Voltairine De Cleyre · First published 1912 · Genre: Poetry, Social Critique, Political Commentary · 1,227 words
First lines
Comrades, what matter the watch-night tells That a New Year comes or goes?
What to us are the crashing bells That clang out the Century's close?
What this Textopian page supports
Ave Et Vale is listed on Textopian as a poem by Voltairine De Cleyre, dated 1912 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Voltairine De Cleyre
- Date: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Social Critique, Political Commentary, Anarchism, Philosophical
- Length: 1,227 words
- Structure: 1 section, 39 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Ave Et Vale by Voltairine De Cleyre
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Ave Et Vale?
- How does this poem by Voltairine De Cleyre fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Hurricane1 by Voltairine De Cleyre
- At The Grave In Waldheim by Voltairine De Cleyre
- Herald Of Freedom by Henry David Thoreau
- Memoirs Of A Revolutionist by Peter Kropotkin
- Mary Wollstonecraft by Voltairine De Cleyre
- Light Upon Waldheim by Voltairine De Cleyre
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Social Critique — The themes address social injustice, inequality, and the plight of the marginalized.
- Political Commentary — The poem reflects on political issues and advocates for change in societal structures.
- Anarchism — The work embodies anarchist principles, promoting equality and communal ownership.
Tags
Anarchism · Feminism · Socialism · Philosophy · Poetry · Literary Fiction · 19th Century Literature · American Literature · Autobiographical · Memoir · Biography · Revolutionary