Boston Hymn Poem Analysis
"Boston Hymn" is a poem written by American poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson in 1862 during the American Civil War. It was originally read at the Emancipation Proclamation celebration held in Boston on January 1, 1863. The poem reflects on the themes of freedom, justice, and the end of slavery.
The poem is written as a hymn, a religious song of praise or worship, which is fitting given its connection to the abolitionist movement and the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared the freedom of slaves in the Confederate states. Emerson uses biblical and religious language throughout the poem to emphasize the moral and spiritual significance of the abolition of slavery.
The poem opens with the voice of God, who speaks against human oppression and proclaims that all people are equal before Him. The poem then goes on to praise the abolition of slavery, calling it a divine act that has freed both the enslaved and the enslaver from the bonds of oppression.
Emerson employs a variety of imagery to illustrate the evil of slavery and the beauty of freedom. He compares slavery to the Biblical plagues of Egypt, emphasizing its destructive nature, and uses the image of a broken chain to symbolize the end of bondage.
"Boston Hymn" also serves as a call to action, urging the people of America to continue fighting for justice and equality. The poem emphasizes that the abolition of slavery is only the beginning, and that it is the responsibility of each individual to work towards a society that upholds the principles of freedom and justice.
In summary, "Boston Hymn" is a powerful and evocative poem that celebrates the end of slavery and the Emancipation Proclamation. Through its use of religious language and imagery, the poem highlights the moral and spiritual significance of the abolitionist movement and calls on the American people to continue striving for a just and equal society.