Nothing and Something
The work explores the consequences of indifference towards the dangers of alcohol and its impact on individuals and families. It presents a series of voices, each dismissing the potential harm of alcohol, asserting that it is "nothing" to them. The beauty, mother, young man, merchant, and voter each express confidence in their ability to resist temptation or disregard the issue entirely. As the narrative unfolds, the initial dismissals are contrasted with the harsh realities that follow. The beauty experiences sorrow and regret, the mother faces the downfall of her son, the young man finds himself imprisoned due to his addiction, the merchant suffers the loss of loved ones in a tragic accident caused by intoxication, and the voter witnesses the destruction of his daughter's life as she marries a drunkard. The poem emphasizes that what may seem trivial or inconsequential can lead to devastating consequences. It calls for awareness and action against the societal acceptance of alcohol, urging individuals to recognize the collective responsibility in combating the issue. The final lines advocate for unity in faith and action, encouraging a commitment to righteousness and the fight against the destructive forces of addiction. The work serves as a moral warning about the dangers of complacency and the importance of proactive engagement in safeguarding oneself and the community from the perils of alcohol.
By Frances Ellen Watkins Harper · First published 1854 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, Moral Literature · 532 words
First lines
It is nothing to me, the beauty said, With a careless toss of her pretty head; The man is weak if he can't refrain From the cup you say is fraught with pain.
It was something to her in after years, When her eyes were drenched with burning tears, And she watched in lonely grief and dread, And startled to hear a staggering tread.
What this Textopian page supports
Nothing and Something is listed on Textopian as a poem by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, dated 1854 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Date: 1854 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Social Commentary, Moral Literature, Narrative, Didactic Literature
- Length: 532 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Social Commentary — The poem addresses societal issues such as alcoholism and its impact on individuals and families.
- Moral Literature — The text conveys moral lessons about the consequences of vice and the importance of virtue.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story through the perspectives of various characters affected by alcohol.
Tags
American Literature · 19th Century Novel · African American Experience · Slavery · Abolitionism · Social Justice · Feminism · Racism · Classism · Poverty · Family Dynamics · Marriage