Emerson’s “Boston Hymn,” written during the Civil War, imagines God telling America to make freedom its king and to free the slaves.
Tag Archives: Civil War
Emerson: Let Freedom Be Your King
Pretending that Slavery Wasn’t a Big Deal
Unlike Faulkner, the Southern Agrarians claimed that African Americans weren’t an integral part of Southern culture.
How Weigh the Cost of the War Dead?
In “The Watchers,” Whittier honors the fallen while seeing the necessity of war to bring about freedom.
Les Misérables Aided Civil War Soldiers
Hugo’s “Les Misérables” was a hit with Civil War soldiers. An article explores the reasons why.
Crane’s Reenactment of War’s Horrors
Leaders should “Red Badge of Courage” before sending their troops into battle.
The Moment Has Come to Decide
Educator Diane Ravitch’s favorite poem include two 19th century oldies that get at a teacher’s sense of mission.
The Glory of the Coming of the Lord
“The Battle of the Hymn of the Republic” is one of the most influential set of lyrics in American history–for good and for bad.
Juneteenth & Freedom’s Challenges
Rolle’s poem about Juneteenth makes it clear that freedom, no less than fighting for freedom, is hard
U.S. Is Still Fighting the Civil War
Michael Shaara’s “Killer Angels” has me thinking that a version of the Civil War is still on-going.