Speech

Speech symbolizes the possibility and hope for change. In the poem, the speaker criticizes the current state of America's social and economic structures but remains confident that protest in the form of free speech is the only tool citizens can successfully wield to effect progress.

Inquisition and Guillotine

The inquisition and the guillotine symbolize cruel authoritarian systems of governance. The speaker refers to moments in history when cruelty, violence, and unjust ways of policing citizens reigned supreme. She notes that only through protest and vocalization did these archaic systems finally disappear from relevance.

The Chain

The chain symbolizes the American people. The speaker says in the second stanza, "Call no chain strong, which holds one rusted link," suggesting that there is no such thing as an "American" identity until each and every citizen is equally free under the laws of the nation (18).

God's Soil

God's Soil...