Poetry · Chapter
Northwest Rebellion explained
A patriotic poem celebrating Canada's response to the Northwest Rebellion of 1885, highlighting the unity of English, Irish, and Scottish settlers under the maple leaf, the bravery of volunteers from across the country, and the eventual vic
What happens
A patriotic poem celebrating Canada's response to the Northwest Rebellion of 1885, highlighting the unity of English, Irish, and Scottish settlers under the maple leaf, the bravery of volunteers from across the country, and the eventual victory over rebel forces and Indigenous groups led by Poundmaker and Riel.
Themes in this chapter
Local Patriotism and Regional Pride
The poem exalts Canadian unity and pride, referencing the English rose, shamrock, and thistle combined with the maple tree, and praises specific regiments from London, Toronto, and Winnipeg.
Mortality and Loss
The poem laments the youth who died or were maimed in the conflict, emphasizing the cost of war.
Pioneer and Settler Struggles
The volunteers are depicted as leaving their homes and facing harsh conditions, reflecting the settler experience in defending the frontier.
Characters to notice
- Big Bear
Referenced indirectly through the 'Indian horde' and the capture of Riel, though Big Bear is not named directly.
- Queen Victoria
Implied as the sovereign of Canada, the 'young fair land' that commands respect.
Key passages
“Hail Canada our young fair land, The world’s respect it doth command; How quick her sons at war’s alarms Sprang to her rescue with their arms.”
Praise to Canada, a young and beautiful country that earns global respect; its citizens rapidly responded to the call of war, taking up weapons to defend it.
Opening lines establish the patriotic tone and immediate mobilization of volunteers.
“The ninetieth regiment it fought well, And Winnipeg doth its glories tell, London boasts of her volunteers, For she prides in her Fusiliers.”
The 90th Regiment performed admirably, and Winnipeg recounts their deeds; London takes pride in its volunteer Fusiliers.
Highlights specific regiments and cities contributing to the war effort.
“Alas that youth so true and brave, So many now do fill a grave, And others they are maimed for life, While engaged in glorious strife.”
Sadly, many loyal and courageous young men now lie in graves, and others are permanently injured, all while fighting in a noble conflict.
Acknowledges the human cost of the rebellion.
“We all felt proud of our gunboat And the brave crew of the Northcote, And of our scouts who captured Riel, Who in vain for mercy did appeal.”
We took pride in the gunboat and the courageous crew of the Northcote, as well as the scouts who captured Riel, whose plea for mercy was ignored.
References the steamer Northcote used in the campaign and the capture of Louis Riel.