“O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light” - these are the opening lyrics of Francis Scott Key’s poem, the lyrics began as something seemingly insignificant and ended up as the national anthem of the United States (Benson, 1477). This piece of poetry was written to tell how Francis Scott Key felt while he was watching a battle at Fort McHenry (“Star”). Some people may ask: why is “The Star Spangled Banner,” so highly looked upon? Why does the beginning of this piece of poetry get to be our national anthem? How did this piece of work come to be so important to our nation? By writing “The Star Spangled Banner,” Francis Scott Key revealed how he thought his country was going to come out of the battle defeated but instead was victorious through …show more content…
his use of pathos, repetition, and imagery. Historical Background/Purpose of Poem Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star Spangled Banner” through the night of September 13th, 1814 and into the early morning of September 14th, 1814. Key watched the United States fight while the country was under attack at Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore. This fight, that Key observed, was during the War of 1812 (“Star”). Prior to this war Key proclaimed himself as a pacifist, however during the War of 1812 he decided to join the District of Columbia militia (Benson, 1476). This piece of poetry was originally meant to express the emotions Key felt while he was witnessing the battle, where he first thought his country would be defeated, but in turn the country reigned victorious by the end of the battle. The turn to victory can be interpreted from the words that Key wrote in the last two lines of his work: “And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave / O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.” While Francis Scott Key was writing his piece of poetry he was on-board a British ship (“The Story”). Approximately a week prior to the attack at Fort McHenry, Key was sent to save one of his friends, William Beanes, from British imprisonment (Benson, 1477). Not only did Key successfully save Beanes, he also gained information about Britain’s upcoming tactics to bombard the United States. Since Key had become aware of this information he and Beanes had been confined to the ship by the British until their battle plans were carried out (“The Story”). On the night of September 13th, 1814, Key was approximately eight miles away from the site of the battle, though he was still able to see the battle take place. Key commented on the attack saying, “It seems as though mother earth had opened and was vomiting shot and shell in a sheet of fire and brimstone” (“The Story”). Through the horrible attack he was able to see the enormous flag - the star spangled banner - that was put up as soon as the United States was victorious (“The Star” Britannica). “The Star Spangled Banner” was initially named “Defense of Fort McHenry” (Benson, 1476).
The lyrics that Key wrote were published in newspapers and pamphlets the day after the attack. Once these lyrics became widely known someone decided to add in a tune, the tune was first used in a drinking song, which was known as “Anacreon Heaven” (Benson, 1478). As this song gained popularity within the United States, it was arranged by John Philip Sousa and it became what it is known as today (“The Forgotten”). In the year 1916, Woodrow Wilson was president of the United States. Wilson put in an executive order to have “The Star Spangled Banner” become the national anthem; but it wasn’t until 1931 when Congress finally confirmed it to be the United States’ national anthem (“The Star” Becomes …show more content…
Official). The intended audience of “The Star Spangled Banner” were the Americans and the British (“Star”). This poem gave a positive patriotic feeling for the Americans and in turn showed the British that they were defeated. As this song gained popularity, it was embraced by the army and the navy, and they classified it as their national anthem (“Star”). The first stanza, out of a total of four stanzas, is the only stanza used as the national anthem today. Overall “The Star Spangled Banner” brings out people’s love for the United States as well as their patriotism. Analysis of Document Throughout this poem, Francis Scott Key uses imagery to tell how he saw the attack on the United States on the dreadful night in September 1814. Key uses keywords throughout his work to aid the reader in picturing the image he saw on the night of the attack. Some phrases he used to illustrate what time of day it was, such as, “the twilight’s last gleaming,” and “the gleam of morning’s first beam,” (Key, 2, 13). When Key was writing this piece, the attack went into the night and continued into the next morning. Also, in the famous first stanza, Key writes how he could see the rockets and the bombs even from his location so far away. In this piece, Key also talks of how there is the star-spangled banner waving triumphantly through the night, this is undoubtedly an important part in Key’s poem, considering the fact that when Key saw the enormous American flag after the battle he knew that the United States was victorious over the British. Just as Francis Scott Key uses imagery, he also uses pathos, this brings out the emotions of the reader. Key promotes patriotism throughout his work. The whole purpose of this poem is to recognize the United States as they became victorious in battle. By writing this powerful patriotic poem, Key impacted the navy, the army, and eventually many generations of US Americans (“Star”). Overall, Key spoke of the star-spangled banner in each of the four stanzas he wrote, thus using the device of repetition.
Also, the last line of each of the stanzas says, “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave,” with the only difference of how he punctuates the ending (Key). With the use of this same wording over and over Key shows how at first the phrase is a question, indicating that he doesn’t know whether or not the flag will fly in victory or not yet. While in the second stanza Key uses an exclamation point, this indicates that the flag has been seen and the United States was then victorious. Lastly, in the last two stanzas, Key uses a simple period for each, this signifies that he is just stating the facts of what is left. This repetition makes the one line stand out from the rest as being the same, but also in each stanza the same line has a slightly different
meaning. Results of Document “The Star Spangled Banner” had an immediate impact on US America during the year of 1814 when the poem was first released to the public right after it had been written (Benson, 1477). The poem told of the most recent battle victory that the United States had won and it was also a way to get back at the British for their loss. During this time period the people of the United States were not fond of the British due to their unfairness towards them, and by Key writing this poem it rallied up the nation even more than they were before (“War”). This poem has fulfilled more than it was ever imagined to begin with. Originally, the military was the only group to accept this poem as the United States’ national Anthem (“Star”). In 1931, Herbert Hoover was president of the United States, and this was the year that Congress finally agreed to have “The Star Spangled Banner” become the United States national anthem, (“The Star” Becomes Official). So, this boosted the popularity of the new song even more. Due to the US having this song as the national anthem there has been controversy created within the nation. The tune that the lyrics are sung to is a challenging tune to sing, so some people argue that “American The Beautiful” should be the national anthem because it is less difficult to sing (Hutchinson). Some people see Key’s poem as too militaristic and suggest that other choices of songs or poems are better representations of the United States. In reality, “The Star Spangled Banner” tells of a truly patriotic and victorious moment for the United States, therefore it is just as good of a representation of the history of the nation as any other song would be. In today’s society, at the majority of sporting events, “The Star Spangled Banner” is played or sung to the crowd by a talented individual or group. People in the crowd stand up, remove their hats, and place their right hand over their heart or salute to show respect to the country for the duration of the song. As it is that the first stanza is the only stanza ever to be performed, the majority of the people who sing it do not realize that there are three additional stanzas that follow the well-known first stanza (“The Forgotten”). Overall, part of the poem has been lost during the process of becoming the national anthem, but in turn the first stanza has maintained the same respect over the years by US American citizens. Key’s poem has greatly impacted the United States as a whole. It will forever have a place in every American citizen's’ heart, whether they like the song or not, it is the national anthem. It brings out the best patriotism and it brings the nation into one. As Key stated close to the end of his poem, “Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us as a nation. / Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just. / And this be our motto--- “In God is our trust;””(Key, 28-30).
In 1776 the United States of America became a great nation, free from Britain's rule. We became a nation full of freedom and opportunity, symbolized by many great icons. The Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell, this great nations capitol, the District of Columbia, and the greatest of these icons, our American Flag. Our flag symbolizes to the world our strength, determination, and the rights and freedoms of our people. The very sight of it has given men the courage and willingness to sacrifice their own lives in order to protect what it symbolizes. But where did it come from? For more than a century it has been disputed by historians that the story of Betsy Ross, a widow from Philadelphia could be given the honor of handcrafting the first American Flag. So is it fact or a delightful fable that has weaved its way in as part of our American history?
The ‘Stars and Stripes Forever’ is a march by an American composer Sousa Phillip (Blackburn, 2004). The piece was premiered in 1897. It is one of the famous compositions among the composer’s works. Sousa and his band performed this piece regularly at their concerts. The piece commences with a short, exciting introduction, trailed by three contrasting melodies of different moods. Although Sousa had established his own poetry in the music, the piece is mostly heard in its instrumental structure. In 1987, the piece was nominated as the official march in the United States (Blackburn, 2004).
Within the lack of technology in the world of Anthem human being are unable to express themselves through the word “We”. The city is confined through a strict society known as Anthem. In the philosophical teaching known as Objectivism by Ayn Rand, the average age for a human being is forty. For a person in Anthem it is unable to choose freedom and is forced to become what is chosen for him. However as the story a progress Equality 7-2521 begins to discover self through events that have allowed him to find the truth. Since in the world of Anthem people must think as “we” and are forced to follow strict rules that force him to become unable to realize his inner being.
“Death is the only pure, beautiful conclusion of a great passion” (David Herbert Lawrence). Coretta Scott King was an inspiring person to women of all ages and races. However her death had an impact on everyone, she was seen as an idol, more importantly as a leader. Malcom X’s daughter Attallah Shabazz who is also Mrs. King’s most pride supporter addresses her remarks in her eulogy and engages the people at the funeral service for Mrs. King on the sorrowful day of February 7th, 2006 in Atlanta, Georgia. With hundreds of people, (mainly women) watching on TV or listening in the stands during this depressing time reflect and honor on the achievements and positive attitude she had on the community for others. Attallah Shabazz hoped that this event
“Land of the free and the home of the brave.” This line has represented the United States for decades. These words were captured in The Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key and since 1913, the United States has adopted The Star-Spangled Banner as its national anthem. We have used the Red, White, and Blue as one of our nation’s symbols. It has fifty stars, to represent the number of states we have in our Union. The military pledges its allegiance to the flag and the country which it represents at all costs. We are the land of the free and the home of the brave, and we are proud to show it.
After this night, Key wrote a poem telling the events of that night. He called it “The Defense of Fort M’Henry”. It was published in the newspapers all over America. Someone put the poem to music using an old English tune called “To Anacreon in Heaven”. This song became America’s first national anthem in 1931.
Key describes the end of the bombardment of the fort and still flying above the fort is the flag of the United States. Key gloats in the British loss in the third stanza. He ask where are the British who were determined to destroy our country. The fourth and final stanza is a statement of America’s value and hopes for the
“I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” As Americans, we say this to honor our state and because we are proud of what we as a citizen of America have done to make it the America that is today. Americans weren’t the only ones that helped; veterans were a big part of the success that made our country the America that I believe in.
...o captivating. Additionally, it does make an extensive number of appearances at various ceremonies and great events, such as the opening ceremonies of sporting events and national holidays such as Independence and Memorial Day. However, “The Star Spangled Banner” embodies a much broader and more abstruse, cryptic connotation. It illustrates America’s attitude of perseverance when facing seemingly indomitable adversities or unachievable ambitions. It represents America’s unfaltering faith, traditional values, and ethical laws that have come to characterize America’s individuality. It signifies America’s past, a historic reminder that unites the people and instills, in their hearts, a profound sense of patriotism and glory. Most of all, “The Star Spangled Banner” symbolizes the truth of what America truly means–“the land of the free and the home of the brave”.
The cadence in America can be traced as far back as the American Revolution with Yankee Doodle. Historically it finds its roots in ancient armies marching to battles across foreign lands. The most significant song in this genra was created in May, 1944, by Pvt. Willie Duckworth, an African American soldier. This chant that we know today as the "Duckworth Chant" or "Sound Off”, 1-2 sound off 3-4 is the most recognizable to the average person from its usages in movies and P.E. classes. The cadence has historical links to the field holler and work songs. Slaves sang about their oppressive environment while working tirelessly in the cotton fields. Similarly, the majority of cadences are reflective to the environment and training, which soldiers endure. These cadences share the themes of phys...
Black anthems have a long standing history that can be traced through their African roots to modern day songs. Political groups have used these anthems to both lead and thrown into crisis their aims and objectives of their political messages. Not only have anthems been used in political areas they have also been used to showcase the culture at the time of their prominence. These anthems have many benefits such as uniting people together for certain causes, however, some of the anthems drawbacks are that they have been nearly forgotten as their respective political groups have faded away into history. The book Anthem: Social Movements and the Sound of Solidarity in the African Diaspora by Shana L. Redmond proves that anthems have been used
The "Emancipation Proclamation" speech was actually intended for most of the people that would free the slaves, not to the slaves. According to Rollyson the proclamation was not intended for the slave, blacks, or former slaves. The “Emancipation Proclamation” speech was during the Antislavery Movement or what some people call it the Abolitionist Movement, during the 1960's. The main leaders of the abolitionist movement were Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglas. The point of Lincoln writing the speech about emancipating the slaves was to free the slaves and win the civil war. Lincoln had written a speech named "The Emancipation Proclamation". He wrote this speech and signed it in January of 1863, in Washington, D.C. The theme of the speech was to teach everyone that everyone, no matter what race should be treated equally. In the "Emancipation Proclamation" speech, Abraham Lincoln motivates his intended audience during the Antislavery movement by using pathos and rhetorical question.
Throughout the years there has been many ways to reassure and keep others happy. The Mayflower Compact is one of the United States foundational documents of great historical significance, it contains literary elements with other important U.S. foundational documents in later centuries. The Preamble to the Constitution is one of the country’s foundational documents, igniting a signal of freedom both to the nation and the world. Last, The Star Spangled Banner is a historical poem that is used for the United States. The themes that the Preamble to the Constitution has in common with the Mayflower Compact and The Star Spangled Banner is unity, freedom, and peace.
In her eulogy for Coretta Scott King, Maya Angelou uses figurative language and repetition to compel the audience to follow King’s example of peaceful yet strong advocacy of human rights.
The story “The Fourth of July” by Audre Lorde demonstrates that she comes across a realization that she had to speak up for her rights and independence when she visited the capital city of the United States, Washington, D.C. Lorde explains how she was frustrated with the situation that occurred in Washington, D.C., which shows that she had learned the reality of the society. She writes about many things that she came across during the trip to Washington D.C. in the summer vacation. In the essay, the meanings of independence for Lorde are to fight for it and to speak up for the rights that they deserve. Lorde and her family visit many places in the capital city where they were told to leave the place because black people were not allowed there.