The Building
The poem presents a dialogue in which a Master requests the construction of a house, symbolizing a spiritual or divine dwelling. The Master emphasizes the need for a solid foundation, rejecting instability and chaos represented by "shifting sand" and "tempests." The imagery of precious materials like agates, carbuncles, and rubies conveys the beauty and value of this house, suggesting that it is not merely a physical structure but a sacred space filled with love and light. The house is envisioned as eternal, with Christ as its cornerstone, indicating a deep religious significance. It is described as a "royal mansion," a place of honor and divine presence, where the faithful can experience peace and freedom from sorrow. The poem highlights the connection between the earthly and the heavenly, suggesting that this house is linked to a greater spiritual realm, offering rest and solace. The construction of this house is not just about physical labor; it involves grace and love, which are the true materials that bind it. The imagery of "pinions" and "fetters" suggests that while the house provides freedom, it is also a place of connection to divine love. The poem concludes with a promise of enduring peace, reinforcing the idea that this spiritual dwelling is a refuge from life's troubles, embodying hope and eternal comfort.
By Frances Ellen Watkins Harper · First published 1860 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Inspirational Literature, Metaphysical Poetry · 228 words
First lines
"Build me a house," said the Master, "But not on the shifting sand, Mid the wreck and roar of tempests, A house that will firmly stand.
"I will bring thee windows of agates, And gates of carbuncles bright, And thy fairest courts and portals Shall be filled with love and light.
"Thou shalt build with fadeless rubies, All fashioned around the throne, A house that shall last forever, With Christ as the cornerstone.
"It shall be a royal mansion, A fair and beautiful thing, It will be the presence-chamber Of thy Saviour, Lord and King.
What this Textopian page supports
The Building is listed on Textopian as a poem by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, dated 1860 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: 1860 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Inspirational Literature, Metaphysical Poetry, Romanticism, Christian Literature
- Length: 228 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Building by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Building?
- How does this poem by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Religious Poetry — The poem explores themes of faith, divine presence, and spiritual fulfillment, characteristic of religious poetry.
- Inspirational Literature — The work aims to inspire readers through its uplifting message about building a strong foundation in faith.
- Metaphysical Poetry — The use of metaphors related to construction and spiritual concepts aligns with the characteristics of metaphysical poetry.
- Romanticism — The emphasis on beauty, nature, and emotional depth reflects elements of the Romantic literary movement.
Tags
American Literature · 19th Century Novel · Social Commentary · Racial Tensions · Slavery · Abolitionism · Feminism · Women's Rights · Domestic Fiction · Realist Fiction · Historical Fiction · African American Experience