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Literary
May 20, 1836
Burlington Free Press
Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont
What is this article about?
A metaphorical essay likening the Mississippi River's mighty course from arctic origins to oceanic union with the American nation's birth in wild forests, growth through unity of parts, and inevitable glorious destiny.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Beautiful Comparison.
The great river of the West, the Father of Waters, as it was called by the aborigines, may be used as an apt personification of the power, the progress of change, and eventual destiny of the American people. Rising in the arctic wilds, and taking its first impulse from a few trickling rills, it gathers in strength as it proceeds on its way, until, in its course of 2,000 miles, it receives the contributions of those immense streams that spread out like the arms of a giant and embrace a whole continent, grasping and binding together its remote corners, and conveying their tribute to the great body, which thus becomes strengthened and invigorated by the aid of its natural members. With its power thus accumulated, the Mississippi moves on in full majesty of its grandeur, sweeping away, with resistless force, every obstacle, straightening and deepening its mighty bed, till, finally pouring a sea of deep and rapid waters, it mingles its turbid floods with the clear blue sea, and diffuses itself, as it were, in the immensity of creation.
It is even thus with the American nation. The remote and interminable wilds of the earth witnessed its birth, amidst forests boasting the growth of centuries, where, giant-like, and unconquerable, combining its own elements, and wisely directing its own energies, it moves on surely and steadily to the accomplishment of a glorious and unequalled destiny.--Miriam Coffin.
The great river of the West, the Father of Waters, as it was called by the aborigines, may be used as an apt personification of the power, the progress of change, and eventual destiny of the American people. Rising in the arctic wilds, and taking its first impulse from a few trickling rills, it gathers in strength as it proceeds on its way, until, in its course of 2,000 miles, it receives the contributions of those immense streams that spread out like the arms of a giant and embrace a whole continent, grasping and binding together its remote corners, and conveying their tribute to the great body, which thus becomes strengthened and invigorated by the aid of its natural members. With its power thus accumulated, the Mississippi moves on in full majesty of its grandeur, sweeping away, with resistless force, every obstacle, straightening and deepening its mighty bed, till, finally pouring a sea of deep and rapid waters, it mingles its turbid floods with the clear blue sea, and diffuses itself, as it were, in the immensity of creation.
It is even thus with the American nation. The remote and interminable wilds of the earth witnessed its birth, amidst forests boasting the growth of centuries, where, giant-like, and unconquerable, combining its own elements, and wisely directing its own energies, it moves on surely and steadily to the accomplishment of a glorious and unequalled destiny.--Miriam Coffin.
What sub-type of article is it?
Allegory
Essay
What themes does it cover?
Patriotism
Political
Liberty Freedom
What keywords are associated?
Mississippi River
American Nation
Personification
Destiny
Progress
Unity
Manifest Destiny
What entities or persons were involved?
Miriam Coffin.
Literary Details
Title
Beautiful Comparison.
Author
Miriam Coffin.
Subject
Personification Of The Power, Progress, And Destiny Of The American People Via The Mississippi River
Key Lines
The Great River Of The West, The Father Of Waters, As It Was Called By The Aborigines, May Be Used As An Apt Personification Of The Power, The Progress Of Change, And Eventual Destiny Of The American People.
It Is Even Thus With The American Nation. The Remote And Interminable Wilds Of The Earth Witnessed Its Birth, Amidst Forests Boasting The Growth Of Centuries, Where, Giant Like, And Unconquerable, Combining Its Own Elements, And Wisely Directing Its Own Energies, It Moves On Surely And Steadily To The Accomplishment Of A Glorious And Unequalled Destiny.