Question

Using the excerpt from Sidney Lanier’s The Song of the Chattahoochee, describe the geographic obstacles that the Chattahoochee River faces on its route from the Blue Ridge region to the Gulf of Mexico. What does Sidney Lanier imply are the benefits of the river to Georgia’s economy?
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Answer 1

The poem “Song of the Chattahoochee” is a poem by author Sidney Lanier (1842-1881), completed in November, 1877. When Lanier contracted tuberculosis as a Union prisoner-of-war during the Civil War, he travelled extensively through Georgia hoping to restore his health. He wrote this poem as an ode to the River Chattahoochee.

Question 1:

The poem mentions two main obstacles as the River Chattahoochee passes through Georgia. First, the hills of Habersham. The second are the valleys of Hall, which have now become the Lake Sidney Lanier in the poet’s honour.

Question 2:

The poet mentions a few benefits that the river brings to Georgia. First, he recalls the presence of precious stones such as quartz, ruby, garnet and amethyst. He also claims that the river is used to irrigate the dry fields and the flowers and to turn the water mills, therefore helping with industrial production in the area.