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Poet: Philip Freneau
Poem: To the Memory of the Brave Americans
Comment 12 of 12, added on July 6th, 2008 at 9:13 AM.
Most countries in the world were shaped and molded by what they had experienced in the past. Disappointingly, only few recognizes the people that played roles in shaping their nation.
In relation to this, I think that this particular quote from Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere applies to what I was saying:
"I die without seeing the dawn brighten over my native land. You who have it to see, welcome it--and forget not those who have fallen during the night!"
Similar to the experiences of the Philippines, the United States have also experienced wars and revolutions. Eventually, these helped the nation reach its current status. But apparently, most people forgot to remember the people that brought them to what they are in the present.
Al James Untalan from Philippines
Comment 11 of 12, added on July 6th, 2008 at 8:55 AM.
With high regard for the American soldiers who fought for freedom, Freneau expressed such feeling through a powerful idyll. As I was reading through the poem, i sensed a feeling of triumph amidst the "death" of the soldiers. Despite their downfall, America was liberated. And it was through their bravery and sense of patriotism that this happened.
I especially liked the lines--
"None distant viewed the fatal plain,
None grieved, in such a cause to die--".
It depicted valor with strong will that even pursued death. I can just imagine the soldiers running towards the battle field with gnashing teeth and weapon-clenched fists, ready to fight... ready to die... ready for freedom.
I would like to honor the Americans for such bravery and will. But I must not neglect my countrymen who fought for the same cause, perhaps with the same will.
Mabuhay!
Val Chuaquico from Philippines
Comment 10 of 12, added on June 22nd, 2008 at 7:24 AM.
Philip Morin Freneau lived as a nature lover and a very patriotic man. His
intense love for his country is very vivid in his innumerable writings. He
basically wrote a number of anti-British pieces.
Moreover, in his writings he was able to combine his appreciation of
nature to the political situation being faced by America during his era.
This later on is said to have paved the way of Transcendentalism in
literature.
Reading his biography, I found out that he was supposed to study ministry
but then in sudden turn of events he found himself writing poems expressing
his great devotion to his country and his indignation against Britain.
Even these days he is regarded as the Poet of the Revolution and the Father
of the American Literature.
Based on my readings, I could say that he made use of God’s gift of writing
in service to his country. He served as a guardian in protecting the
Americans’ moral and uplifting their self-image in spite of the turmoil and
travail they were experiencing because of the war.
I am very much impressed to realize how he skillfully used his pen to
express his disgust to the English country yet be able to produce
masterpieces of writings which up to know are regarded as important
contributions from his time.
Roh Suhyeun from Philippines
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Comments
Most countries in the world were shaped and molded by what they had experienced in the past. Disappointingly, only few recognizes the people that played roles in shaping their nation.
In relation to this, I think that this particular quote from Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere applies to what I was saying:
"I die without seeing the dawn brighten over my native land. You who have it to see, welcome it--and forget not those who have fallen during the night!"
Similar to the experiences of the Philippines, the United States have also experienced wars and revolutions. Eventually, these helped the nation reach its current status. But apparently, most people forgot to remember the people that brought them to what they are in the present.
Al James Untalan from Philippines