The Englishman

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Ballad
    Born in the flesh, and bred in the bone,          Some of us harbour still     A New World pride:    and we flaunt or hide          The Spirit of Bunker Hill.     We claim our place, as a separate race,          Or a self-created clan;     Till there comes a day when we like to say,          'We are kin of the Englishman.'     For under the front that seems so cold,          And the voice that is wont to storm,     We are certain to find, a big, broad mind          And a heart that is soft and warm.     And he carries his woes in a lordly way,          As only the great souls can:     And it makes us glad when in truth we say,          We are kin of the Englishman.'     He slams his door in the face of the world,          If he thinks the world too bold.     He will even curse; but he opens his purse          To the poor, and the sick, and the old.     He is slow in giving to woman the vote,          And slow to put up her fan;     But he gives her room in the hour of doom,          And dies - like an Englishman.

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Ballads
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a thoughtful exploration of identity, kinship, pride, and the complexities inherent in the relationship between an individual's heritage and their self-perception. The author uses a straightforward, conversational tone to convey a sense of introspection and recognition, while the structure of the poem, with its steady rhythmic pattern and rhyming couplets, create a sense of consistency and continuity, mirroring the ongoing ties of kinship and shared heritage the poem explores.

The poet makes use of metaphor and other literary devices to depict the characteristics of this "Englishman" - his stoicism, his generosity, his stubbornness. The recurring phrase "We are kin of the Englishman" reinforces the shared identity that the speaker feels with their subject, despite the differences that might exist between them. The poet also provides a nuanced portrayal of the Englishman’s attitude towards women, acknowledging the slowness in extending rights, but also highlighting the respect and space given in times of difficulty. This poem serves not only as a tribute to the English character as seen by the speaker, but also as a recognition of shared human qualities that extend beyond geographical or political borders.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.