Poetry · Chapter
Who Follow the Flag explained
A patriotic ode reflecting on the American flag as a symbol of freedom, justice, and moral duty.
What happens
A patriotic ode reflecting on the American flag as a symbol of freedom, justice, and moral duty. The poem contrasts the ideal of liberty with the grim reality of child labor and social neglect, calling for national repentance and action to protect the vulnerable. It traces the flag's history from the Revolutionary War to the present, emphasizing faith in God and trust in humanity as its sustaining forces.
Themes in this chapter
Duty and Patriotism
The poem celebrates the flag as a symbol of national unity and calls for defending the weak and upholding liberty.
Faith and Doubt
Contrasts firm faith in God and trust in humanity with the doubt raised by social injustices like child labor.
Grief and Memory
Mourns the suffering of child laborers and recalls the sacrifices of soldiers and the nation's past struggles.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The speaker observes a parade and reflects on the flag's meaning, then shifts to a vision of suffering children.
- Jesus
Referenced indirectly through the image of children bearing a cross to drag, contrasting with the holy cross.
- Lincoln
Mentioned as the one who spoke to set the bondmen free, referencing the Emancipation Proclamation.
Key passages
“The cords are two that lift thee to the sky: Firm faith in God, the King who rules on high; And never-failing trust In human nature, full of faults and flaws, Yet ever answering to the inward call That bids it set the 'ought' above the 'must,'”
The flag is upheld by two principles: unwavering faith in God and enduring trust in humanity, which despite its imperfections strives to do what is right rather than what is compelled.
Summarizes the moral foundations of the nation as presented in the poem.
“They are not girls and boys, But little 'hands' who blindly, dumbly feed With their own blood the hungry god of Greed.”
Child laborers are dehumanized, reduced to mere tools that sacrifice their health and youth to satisfy the insatiable demands of greed.
Critique of child labor and industrial exploitation.
“Bow down, dear land, in penitence and shame! Remember now thine oath, so nobly sworn, To guard an equal lot For every child within thy borders born!”
The nation must humbly repent for failing its promise to ensure equal opportunity and happiness for all children born within its borders.
A call for national accountability and reform.