HELPS TO STUDY.
Historical: Old Ironsides was the name given the frigate Constitution. It was proposed by the Secretary of the Navy to dispose of the ship as it had become unfit for service. Popular sentiment did not approve of this. It was said a ship which was the pride of the nation should continue to be the property of the Navy and be rebuilt for service when needed. Holmes wrote this poem at the time of this discussion.
Notes and Questions.
Of what does the first stanza treat?
The second?
What does the third stanza tell you?
To what does "tattered ensign" refer?
What is "The meteor of the ocean air"?
What is meant by lines 15 and 16?
Where does Holmes say should be the grave of Old Ironsides? Why?