Question

In the poem "Barbara Frietchie," what happened before Barbara Frietchie "took up" the flag?

The windows shivered.
The flag fell from the broken staff.
Stonewall Jackson came riding up the street.
Lee marched over the mountain wall.

Answer 1

In the poem "Barbara Frietchie" by John Greenleaf Whittier, before Barbara Frietchie "took up" the flag, there was a tense atmosphere as the Confederate forces, led by Stonewall Jackson, advanced through the town. The windows shivered, indicating a feeling of fear or apprehension among the townspeople as the conflict escalated. The flag fell from the broken staff, symbolizing the threat to the Union cause and the struggle that was taking place. This sets the stage for Barbara's courageous act of defending the Union flag, despite the perilous situation.