The Columbiad · Chapter
Book VII explained
Washington leads allied forces to victory at the Siege of Yorktown, culminating in Cornwallis's surrender.
What happens
Washington leads allied forces to victory at the Siege of Yorktown, culminating in Cornwallis's surrender. The chapter also depicts the naval battle between the French and British fleets, the mining and explosion of a British fort, and subsequent campaigns including the Battle of Monmouth.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this climactic moment, Columbus reaches his emotional and psychological peak by confronting his deepest dou…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Sacrifice and Suffering
The chapter vividly describes the carnage of naval battle and the explosion of a fort, with 'spatter'd brains' and 'brooks of blood'.
- Unity and Harmony
The allied flags of France and America pursue Washington, and the French alliance is emphasized as a united cause.
- Freedom and Liberty
The war is fought for the general cause of liberty, with France drawing the sword for 'man's whole race'.
Characters to notice
- Washington
Rises in view, directs the allied armies, and leads the siege at Yorktown.
- Cornwallis
Brave Cornwallis perceives his glories gone and his promised empire lost at Yorktown.
- Lincoln
Joyous Lincoln rises in arms again at Yorktown.
- Howe
Leaves his wearied host in a land of foes after fruitless toil.
- Clinton
Howe's proud successor, towers at the head of British forces at Monmouth.
- Wayne
Takes guidance of a firm cohort to crush invaders at Hudson.
- Christopher Columbus
Observes the siege of Yorktown with silent joy, seeing his favorite sons wield the fates of nations.
- Britannia
Britannia's cross arises during the naval battle, but ultimately flees.
Key passages
“Sudden great Washington arose in view, And allied flags his stately steps pursue”
Washington suddenly appears, leading the allied forces.
Washington's emergence as the commander of the combined armies.
“Where still dread Washington directs his way, And seas and continents his voice obey”
Washington commands both land and sea forces.
Washington's authority over the entire campaign.
“Brave Cornwallis, mid the gathering host, Perceives his glories gone, his promised empire lost”
Cornwallis realizes his defeat and the loss of his ambitions.
Cornwallis's recognition of his impending surrender.
“Burst with the blast the reeling mountain roars, Heaves, labors, boils and through the concave pours His flaming contents high”
The mine explodes, sending debris and fire into the air.
The dramatic explosion of the British fort.
