That Blessed Hope
The work explores themes of hope, faith, and the longing for divine salvation amidst earthly struggles. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope as a source of strength and comfort in times of despair. The speaker expresses a desire to cling to this hope, which has historically provided solace to those facing adversity, including biblical figures who endured persecution and hardship. The poem reflects on the transformative power of hope, portraying it as an anchor for the soul. It acknowledges the trials of life, urging the reader to seek spiritual fulfillment rather than material attachments. The imagery of wandering and suffering highlights the resilience of the human spirit when anchored in faith. The speaker's plea for assistance in navigating a tumultuous world underscores the universal quest for peace and redemption. The anticipation of Christ's reign and the promise of eternal life serve as a motivating force, encouraging perseverance through life's challenges. Ultimately, the work conveys a profound message about the enduring nature of hope and its capacity to uplift and inspire individuals in their spiritual journeys.
By Frances Ellen Watkins Harper · First published 1868 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Inspirational Literature, African American Literature · 193 words
First lines
Oh! crush it not, that hope so blest, Which cheers the fainting heart, And points it to the coming rest, Where sorrow has no part.
Tear from my heart each worldly prop, Unbind each earthly string, But to this blest and glorious hope, Oh! let my spirit cling.
It cheer'd amid the days of old Each holy patriarch's breast; It was an anchor to their souls, Upon it let me rest.
When wandering in dens and caves, In sheep and goat skins dress'd, A peel'd and scatter'd people learned To know this hope was blest.
What this Textopian page supports
That Blessed Hope is listed on Textopian as a poem by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, dated 1868 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: 1868 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Inspirational Literature, African American Literature, Romanticism, Social Justice Literature
- Length: 193 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Religious Poetry — The poem expresses deep spiritual themes and hope in a religious context, focusing on faith and the afterlife.
- Inspirational Literature — The work aims to uplift and inspire readers through its message of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.
- African American Literature — Frances Ellen Watkins Harper was a prominent African American writer, and her work reflects the struggles and hopes of the African American experience.
- Romanticism — The poem embodies elements of Romanticism through its emphasis on emotion, nature, and the individual's connection to the divine.
Tags
Abolitionist Literature · American Literature · Anti-Slavery Novel · Christianity and Slavery · Feminism · Hope and Redemption · Literary Fiction · Moral Allegory · Narrative of Slavery · Patriarchal Society · Protest Literature · Racial Justice