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Julia Ward Howe (1819–1910) is an American poet and author, most famously known for writing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Her work and life were not solely confined to poetry; she was also an advocate for abolitionism, social activism, and women's suffrage. Howe's literary contributions, combined with her social activism, make her a significant figure in the context of American literature and history.

Literary Background

Howe was born in New York City to a well-off banker and his wife. She was educated by private tutors and in schools for young ladies until she was sixteen, after which she continued her education on her own. Howe began writing at a young age, influenced by the Romantic poets, which is reflected in the idealism of her later works.

Early Influences

Howe's early literary influences were the works of Romantic poets such as Wordsworth and Byron. However, her writing and her life's work were also heavily influenced by the social movements of her time, particularly the movements to abolish slavery and to promote women's rights. Her marriage to Samuel Gridley Howe, an educator and reformer, also brought her into contact with prominent social activists and intellectuals.

Poetic Schools or Movements

While Julia Ward Howe is not associated with a particular school or movement of poetry, her writing was undoubtedly influenced by the Romantic tradition, and her later work reflected the moral urgency of the transcendentalist movement, which advocated for individual conscience and social reform. Her work also bears the hallmark of the patriotic and moral literature that became significant in the United States during the Civil War period.

Poetic Oeuvre

Howe's poetry often deals with themes of justice, freedom, and moral righteousness. Her most famous poem, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," which she wrote in 1861 during the early months of the Civil War, became a rallying cry for the Union cause and remains a significant work in American cultural and political history. Apart from her patriotic hymns, Howe's other poetic works include collections such as "Passion Flowers" (1854), "Words for the Hour" (1857), and "Later Lyrics" (1866).

Themes in Howe’s poetry include:

*Patriotism and National Identity: Her poems often explore the themes of American identity and the nation’s moral destiny.

*Abolition and Social Justice: Influenced by her involvement in the social reform movements, her work frequently addresses issues of slavery and social inequality.

*Women’s Rights: Howe was a strong advocate for women's suffrage and her works often touch upon the subject of women's empowerment and emancipation.

*Religious Reflection: Her poetry also delves into religious and spiritual themes, reflecting her own personal faith and the broader 19th-century American engagement with religion.

Influence

Julia Ward Howe's influence extends beyond literature into the realm of social activism. Her works inspired many during the American Civil War and thereafter. She was also influential in the women's suffrage movement and was a co-founder of the American Woman Suffrage Association. Her life and works are often studied in the context of 19th-century American reform movements.

Honors

Howe was the first woman elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1908. She was also posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame due to the lasting significance of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Beyond these formal recognitions, her legacy is honored through the continued impact of her social and political efforts, particularly in the area of women's rights.

Conclusion

Julia Ward Howe stands out as a multifaceted figure whose work as a poet is deeply intertwined with her commitment to social justice. While "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" is her most enduring work, her broader oeuvre and her influence in social reform movements highlight her as a significant cultural figure of her time. Her poetry and activism left a lasting imprint on American society, echoing the national struggles and aspirations of the 19th century and influencing the trajectory of social change into the 20th century and beyond. Her life reminds us that poetry can be an instrument not just of aesthetic pleasure but of profound social and ethical engagement.

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