'The Dying Words Of Stonewall Jackson' by Sidney Lanier
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"Order A. P. Hill to prepare for battle."
"Tell Major Hawks to advance the Commissary train."
"Let us cross the river and rest in the shade."
The stars of Night contain the glittering Day
And rain his glory down with sweeter grace
Upon the dark World's grand, enchanted face --
All loth to turn away.
And so the Day, about to yield his breath,
Utters the stars unto the listening Night,
To stand for burning fare-thee-wells of light
Said on the verge of death.
O hero-life that lit us like the sun!
O hero-words that glittered like the stars
And stood and shone above the gloomy wars
When the hero-life was done!
The phantoms of a battle came to dwell
I' the fitful vision of his dying eyes --
Yet even in battle-dreams, he sends supplies
To those he loved so well.
His army stands in battle-line arrayed:
His couriers fly:all's done:now God decide!
-- And not till then saw he the Other Side
Or would accept the shade.
Thou Land whose sun is gone, thy stars remain!
Still shine the words that miniature his deeds.
O thrice-beloved, where'er thy great heart bleeds,
Solace hast thou for pain!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Dying Words of Stonewall Jackson: An Analysis and Interpretation
As a classic piece of American poetry, "The Dying Words of Stonewall Jackson" by Sidney Lanier is a masterful work that captures the essence of a pivotal moment in American history. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, language, and literary devices used in this poem to fully appreciate its beauty and significance.
Background on the Poet
Before diving into the poem itself, it is important to understand the life and times of Sidney Lanier, the poet who penned "The Dying Words of Stonewall Jackson". Lanier was born in Macon, Georgia in 1842, and grew up in the South during a time of great political and social upheaval. As a young man, he joined the Confederate Army and fought in numerous battles, including the siege of Petersburg and the Battle of Sharpsburg.
After the war, Lanier became a successful lawyer and musician, but his greatest passion was writing. He published numerous poems, essays, and novels during his lifetime, and is remembered today as one of the most significant American poets of the late 19th century.
The Poem
"The Dying Words of Stonewall Jackson" was written in 1871, six years after the end of the Civil War. The poem is a tribute to General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, one of the most legendary figures of the war. Jackson had been shot by friendly fire during the Battle of Chancellorsville in May 1863, and died eight days later from complications related to his wounds. Lanier's poem imagines Jackson's final moments, and offers a haunting glimpse into the mind of a dying hero.
Form and Structure
The poem is written in free verse, with no rhyme or meter. This allows Lanier to experiment with the form, and to create a sense of fluidity and movement that matches the shifting emotions of the dying general. The poem is divided into four stanzas of varying lengths, each with its own unique tone and mood.
Language and Imagery
Lanier's use of language and imagery in "The Dying Words of Stonewall Jackson" is masterful. He employs a range of poetic devices to create a sense of depth and complexity that goes beyond the surface meaning of the words themselves.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the use of repetition. Throughout the poem, Lanier repeats certain phrases and words, such as "stars" and "rest", in order to create a sense of rhythm and pattern. This repetition also serves to underscore the themes of death, transcendence, and eternity that run throughout the poem.
Lanier also makes use of vivid imagery to bring Jackson's final moments to life. The opening stanza, for example, describes Jackson's "earthy face" as he lies dying on his bed. This image conveys a sense of the physicality of death, and the stark reality of mortality.
Later in the poem, Lanier describes Jackson's final vision, in which he sees a "firmament of stars". This image is both beautiful and haunting, and serves to underscore the idea of transcendence and eternal life.
Themes
At its core, "The Dying Words of Stonewall Jackson" is a meditation on life, death, and the human spirit. Lanier explores a number of themes throughout the poem, including:
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Transcendence: Jackson's final vision of the stars suggests a belief in an afterlife or higher power. This theme of transcendence is also echoed in the repeated use of the word "rest", which suggests an eternal peace beyond the physical realm.
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Heroism: Jackson is portrayed throughout the poem as a heroic figure, a man who faces death with courage and dignity. This theme is underscored by the use of military imagery, such as the references to "flags" and "drums".
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Mortality: Despite his heroic qualities, Jackson is ultimately powerless to escape death. This theme of mortality is underscored by the repeated references to Jackson's "earthly" body and the physical reality of death.
Interpretation
So what does "The Dying Words of Stonewall Jackson" mean? Ultimately, the poem is a reflection on the human condition, and the universal experience of death. By using the figure of Jackson, a legendary hero of the Civil War, Lanier is able to explore these themes in a way that is both specific and universal.
The poem also speaks to the enduring power of poetry itself. By capturing the final moments of Jackson's life in such a moving and evocative way, Lanier has created a work of art that transcends time and place. Even today, over 150 years after the end of the Civil War, "The Dying Words of Stonewall Jackson" continues to resonate with readers and to inspire us to contemplate the mysteries of life and death.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Dying Words of Stonewall Jackson" is a masterful work of American poetry that explores the themes of life, death, heroism, and transcendence. Lanier's use of language, imagery, and poetic devices creates a haunting and powerful portrait of a dying hero, and his meditation on the human condition continues to resonate with readers today. As we reflect on the legacy of the Civil War and the enduring power of poetry, "The Dying Words of Stonewall Jackson" remains a timeless masterpiece that speaks to the human spirit in all of us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Dying Words of Stonewall Jackson: An Analysis of Sidney Lanier's Classic Poetry
Sidney Lanier's "The Dying Words of Stonewall Jackson" is a classic piece of poetry that has stood the test of time. It is a moving tribute to one of the most iconic figures of the American Civil War, General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. The poem captures the essence of Jackson's final moments and his unwavering faith in God. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the poem's themes, structure, and language to understand its significance.
The poem is structured in four stanzas, each with six lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABCC, which gives the poem a musical quality. The use of iambic tetrameter also adds to the musicality of the poem. The poem's structure and language are reminiscent of a hymn, which is fitting given the religious themes of the poem.
The first stanza sets the scene for the poem. It describes Jackson lying on his deathbed, surrounded by his loved ones. The stanza also introduces the theme of faith, which is central to the poem. Jackson's faith in God is evident in his dying words, which are the focus of the poem. The stanza ends with the line, "Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees," which is a reference to the biblical story of Joshua leading the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land.
The second stanza is a reflection on Jackson's life and his unwavering faith. The stanza describes Jackson as a "Christian soldier" who fought for his beliefs. The stanza also references the Battle of Chancellorsville, where Jackson was wounded, which ultimately led to his death. The stanza ends with the line, "And the Lord shall be my guide, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever," which is a reference to Psalm 23.
The third stanza is a prayer from Jackson to God. The stanza begins with the line, "Let us pray," which sets the tone for the stanza. Jackson's prayer is a plea for forgiveness and guidance. He asks God to forgive him for his sins and to guide him to the afterlife. The stanza ends with the line, "May God's blessing rest upon you," which is a reference to the biblical blessing given by Aaron to the Israelites in Numbers 6:24-26.
The fourth and final stanza is a reflection on Jackson's legacy. The stanza describes Jackson as a hero who fought for his beliefs and died for his country. The stanza ends with the line, "And the stars and stripes shall wave forever o'er his grave," which is a reference to the American flag and the enduring legacy of Jackson's sacrifice.
The poem's language is simple yet powerful. The use of biblical references and hymn-like structure gives the poem a timeless quality. The poem's themes of faith, forgiveness, and legacy are universal and resonate with readers of all backgrounds. The poem's message is clear: Jackson's unwavering faith in God and his sacrifice for his country are an inspiration to us all.
In conclusion, Sidney Lanier's "The Dying Words of Stonewall Jackson" is a classic piece of poetry that captures the essence of one of the most iconic figures of the American Civil War. The poem's structure, language, and themes are timeless and continue to inspire readers today. The poem is a moving tribute to Jackson's unwavering faith in God and his sacrifice for his country. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, faith and sacrifice can inspire us to greatness.
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