Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War By: Herman Melville (1819-1891)
Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War, written by the esteemed author Herman Melville, is an insightful collection of poems that delves into the multifaceted nature of war. Published during the American Civil War, this collection provides a unique perspective on the conflict, as Melville draws from personal experience and historical events to craft his poetic narratives. Melville's poems offer a profound exploration of the emotional and psychological impact of war on both soldiers and civilians. Through his verse, he captures the raw intensity of battle, the sense of loss and fear that pervades the battlefield, and the profound grief that follows in its wake. His words offer a visceral experience, transporting readers to the frontlines and immersing them in the chaos and tragedy of war. What sets this collection apart is Melville's ability to intertwine vivid imagery with deep philosophical musings. Each poem serves not only as a reflection on the war but also as a commentary on humanity's propensity for violence and destruction. Melville exposes the dark undercurrents of war, questioning its purpose and shedding light on its moral complexities. Furthermore, Melville's use of language is masterful. His command over poetic techniques, such as meter, rhyme, and imagery, adds depth and nuance to his verses. The poems are rich with vivid descriptions, haunting metaphors, and poignant symbolism, each line carefully crafted to evoke a complex web of emotions within the reader. While some may find the language dense and the metaphors challenging, those willing to invest the time and effort will be rewarded with a profound analysis of the human condition during times of conflict. Melville's powerful language captures the essence of not only the Civil War but of war itself, resonating with readers on a deeply personal level. Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War is a remarkable collection that serves as an allegory for the complexities of war, offering a poetic lens through which to examine both the physical and psychological landscapes of conflict. Melville's words ring true even in contemporary times, reminding us of the timeless nature of war and its impact on the human spirit. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the human experience within the context of war and its enduring consequences. First Page: Battle Pieces and Aspects of the War. By Herman Melville. 1866. The Battle Pieces in this volume are dedicated to the memory of the THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND who in the war for the maintenance of the Union fell devotedly under the flag of their fathers. [With few exceptions, the Pieces in this volume originated in an impulse imparted by the fall of Richmond. They were composed without reference to collective arrangement, but being brought together in review, naturally fall into the order assumed. The events and incidents of the conflict making up a whole, in varied amplitude, corresponding with the geographical area covered by the war from these but a few themes have been taken, such as for any cause chanced to imprint themselves upon the mind. The aspects which the strife as a memory assumes are as manifold as are the moods of involuntary meditation moods variable, and at times widely at variance. Yielding instinctively, one after another, to feelings not inspired from any one source exclusively, and unmindful, without purposing to be, of consistency, I seem, in most of these verses, to have but placed a harp in a window, and noted the contrasted airs which wayward wilds have played upon the strings.] The Portent. (1859.) Hanging from the beam, Slowly swaying (such the law), Gaunt the shadow on your green, Shenandoah! The cut is on the crown (Lo, John Brown), And the stabs shall heal no more... Continue reading book >>

Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War By: Herman Melville (1819-1891)

Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War, written by the esteemed author Herman Melville, is an insightful collection of poems that delves into the multifaceted nature of war. Published during the American Civil War, this collection provides a unique perspective on the conflict, as Melville draws from personal experience and historical events to craft his poetic narratives.

Melville's poems offer a profound exploration of the emotional and psychological impact of war on both soldiers and civilians. Through his verse, he captures the raw intensity of battle, the sense of loss and fear that pervades the battlefield, and the profound grief that follows in its wake. His words offer a visceral experience, transporting readers to the frontlines and immersing them in the chaos and tragedy of war.

What sets this collection apart is Melville's ability to intertwine vivid imagery with deep philosophical musings. Each poem serves not only as a reflection on the war but also as a commentary on humanity's propensity for violence and destruction. Melville exposes the dark undercurrents of war, questioning its purpose and shedding light on its moral complexities.

Furthermore, Melville's use of language is masterful. His command over poetic techniques, such as meter, rhyme, and imagery, adds depth and nuance to his verses. The poems are rich with vivid descriptions, haunting metaphors, and poignant symbolism, each line carefully crafted to evoke a complex web of emotions within the reader.

While some may find the language dense and the metaphors challenging, those willing to invest the time and effort will be rewarded with a profound analysis of the human condition during times of conflict. Melville's powerful language captures the essence of not only the Civil War but of war itself, resonating with readers on a deeply personal level.

Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War is a remarkable collection that serves as an allegory for the complexities of war, offering a poetic lens through which to examine both the physical and psychological landscapes of conflict. Melville's words ring true even in contemporary times, reminding us of the timeless nature of war and its impact on the human spirit. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the human experience within the context of war and its enduring consequences.

First Page:

Battle Pieces and Aspects of the War.

By Herman Melville.

1866.

The Battle Pieces in this volume are dedicated to the memory of the THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND who in the war for the maintenance of the Union fell devotedly under the flag of their fathers.

[With few exceptions, the Pieces in this volume originated in an impulse imparted by the fall of Richmond. They were composed without reference to collective arrangement, but being brought together in review, naturally fall into the order assumed.

The events and incidents of the conflict making up a whole, in varied amplitude, corresponding with the geographical area covered by the war from these but a few themes have been taken, such as for any cause chanced to imprint themselves upon the mind.

The aspects which the strife as a memory assumes are as manifold as are the moods of involuntary meditation moods variable, and at times widely at variance. Yielding instinctively, one after another, to feelings not inspired from any one source exclusively, and unmindful, without purposing to be, of consistency, I seem, in most of these verses, to have but placed a harp in a window, and noted the contrasted airs which wayward wilds have played upon the strings.]

The Portent. (1859.)

Hanging from the beam, Slowly swaying (such the law), Gaunt the shadow on your green, Shenandoah! The cut is on the crown (Lo, John Brown), And the stabs shall heal no more... Continue reading book >>

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