Of his deeds to tell?
NOTES AND QUESTIONS
Biography. John Pierpont (1785-1866) was a Unitarian clergyman of Connecticut and the author of several volumes of poetry.
Historical Note. General Joseph Warren was one of the generals in command of the patriot army at the Battle of Bunker Hill. His death in this battle, while a great loss to the American forces, inspired the army to heroic efforts. He is considered one of the bravest and most unselfish patriots of the Revolutionary War. Read what your history text says about him.
Discussion. 1. In this poem we have the poet’s idea of how General Warren inspired his men. 2. What do you think he did in reality? 3. Read the lines that are an answer to those who still hoped for mercy from the British. 4. What lines show the striking contrast between those who fight for hire and those who fight to protect their homes? 5. Which of the appeals in the first and second stanzas seems most forceful to you? 6. Where have you read of a hero who made an argument similar to the one made in the third stanza? 7. How does the Bunker Hill Monument fulfill the prophecy in the last lines of the poem? 8. Notice the interesting rime-scheme and point out how it increases the effectiveness of the poem.
Phrases
- [greener graves, 385, 3]
- [mercy despots feel, 385, 5]
- [battle peal, 385, 6]
- [bristling steel, 385, 7]
- [leaden rain, 385, 15]
- [iron hail, 385, 15]