I believe the poem, “Night Journey,” written in 1941 by Thomas Roethke, is a first degree American writing. This poem talks about traveling west and shows patriotism. A common theme during this time (1941) was talking about patriotism and war. When “Night Journey” was written, there were significant things happening in the U.S.. There was World War 2, Pearl Harbor, The Great Depression, and The Holocaust. These times were very stressful for Americans and many writers directed their feelings to their writings. “I stay up half the night, to see the land I love.” This is how Roethke ends his poem. When I read this, I think of a soldier returning home from war. He hasn't seen home in how many months because he was fighting for the land
