Victorian Ode for Jubilee Day, 1897

"Victorian Ode for Jubilee Day, 1897" by Francis Thompson is a poetic work written during the late 19th century. This collection of verse serves as a tribute to the rich tapestry of English history and culture in celebration of Queen Victoria's Jubilee, reflecting on the legacy of the Victorian era. The poem explores themes of national pride, artistic heritage, and the interconnectedness of art, science, and warfare, encapsulating the essence of a Britain at the height of its imperial power. In this ode, Thompson conjures a vivid procession of illustrious figures from England's literary and military past, depicting both poets and soldiers as they move through the streets in a ghostly pageant. The poem contrasts the beauty of poetic creation with the harsh realities of war, celebrating England's triumphs and the profound impact of its great minds and warriors on the nation. As the celebration unfolds, the poet calls for a recognition of the strength and wisdom derived from these historical figures, urging contemporary England to honor its past while embracing joy and peace. Ultimately, it becomes a heartfelt homage to the duality of England's legacy—one of both glory and remembrance, inviting the reader to reflect on the weight of history and the promise of the future. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Francis Joseph Thompson was an English poet and Catholic mystic. At the behest of his father, a doctor, he entered medical school at the age of 18, but at 26 left home to pursue his talent as a writer and poet. He spent three years on the streets of London, supporting himself with menial labour, becoming addicted to opium which he took to relieve a nervous problem.