This was a most intriguing and powerful poem because the reader, at least in my case, is unsure as to what the poet has the narrator fighting for. The poem is obviously about death and how the narrator would prefer to die than suffer through the hell they are in, but it does not provide the information as to where or what they are a part of. It begins with "If we must die—let it not be like hogs Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot." With this line could the narrator be describing what life was like for those who lived in a life of slavery? It is easy to understand that it was a life of fear and sorrow. Of living a life with no joy of being free. So many lines in this poem relate to being "penned," "outnumbered," and the feeling (or reality?) of being "pressed to the wall." These lines could definitely relate to slavery because those who were slaves were quite literally treated thus way. Many lines in this poem point towards the sadness and harsh life of being slave. However, this poem does not show the people backing down and accepting such a cruel defeat, it shows them rallying and gathering up the courage to fight for their freedom. "Like men we'll face the murderous, cowardly pack, Pressed to the wall, dying, but fighting back," is such a strong and honorable declaration because it shows the bravery of a person who is willing to die in order to achieve and gain what they are fighting for.
Word Count: 264 words
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