Mrs. Reyer
3rd Block
12 September 2016
Washington Crossing the Delaware Many historical events have been depicted in literary works. Although they may be depicted in different types of literary works, they can still show the same event and may still convey the same theme. The event of Washington crossing the Delaware River can be used as an example of this. In December 1776, Washington’s army had taken several defeats. So, General Washington crossed the Delaware River with 5,400 troops to surprise a Hessian force celebrating Christmas in Trenton, New Jersey. This historical event is depicted in multiple literary works, such as the poem Washington Crossing the Delaware by David Shulman and Emanuel Leutze’s painting “Washington Crossing the Delaware.” Though they are both two different literary works, they both describe the same event and seem to convey a similar message. In Leutze’s painting, there are several boats making their way through the icy water of the Delaware River. With an American flag seen raised in General Washington’s boat, the expedition comes to an end as they arrive on the nearby land ahead of them. Washington stands tall looking ahead, determined. The other men are down in the boats rowing, keeping horses under control, or watching (Leutze “Washington Crossing the Delaware”). They seem to be …show more content…
The cold weather stings against the crew, but they make their way through the dangerous winter conditions. They make haste in rowing through the icy water. The wet crew makes their way to the Hessian stronghold, with General Washington watching the men row. The poem finishes by saying that George cannot lose war when he is involved; he is astern, so the crew should go and win the war. Even through the dangerous weather and overwhelming opposing forces, Washington’s crew pushes through, makes it to the other side of the Delaware, and wins in the