Ode, Inscribed to W. H. Channing (Masterplots II: Poetry, Revised Edition)
At a glance:
- Author: Ralph Waldo Emerson
- First Published: 1847
- Type of Work: Ode
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric poetry, Ode
- Subjects: Freedom, Politics, Abolitionists, Authors or writers, Nineteenth century, Slavery or slaves, New England, Ministry or ministers, War, Mexican-American War
The Poem
“Ode, Inscribed to W. H. Channing” alludes frequently to historical people and events. The William Henry Channing to whom the ode is inscribed was a nineteenth century author and Unitarian minister, like his more famous uncle, William Ellery Channing. The younger Channing, a vigorous opponent of slavery, apparently occasioned this ode by urging his friend Ralph Waldo Emerson to join the cause in some formal or active way. The abolition issue was dividing increasing numbers of people. Daniel Webster, whom Emerson once greatly admired and probably had in mind all the...
[The entire page is 1556 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
See Also
