The flag of the United States represents something beyond itself. It is not just a piece of cloth with a distinctive design featuring stars and stripes. The symbolism of the flag is a very important part of the poem’s patriotic meaning. What the flag symbolizes is the reason why Barbara Frietchie takes the actions and speaks the words that she does, and why the speaker is so moved by the story he tells. This symbolism is implied throughout the poem. The fact that the flag, though torn, continues to fly all day as the rebel troops pass by shows that the Union still exists and therefore so does freedom. This is made explicit in the final eight couplets. In Line 45, the flag is described as “that free flag”, which means that it symbolizes freedom, both literally, and because it is free from the threat of being removed. The flag has such significance that even nature, in the form of the wind and the sun, loves it (Lines 48-50). Line 56 repeats the symbolism, as the speaker addresses the flag directly: “Flag of Freedom and Union, wave!” This is developed further in the