The Reunion
The narrative unfolds with a poignant reunion between a mother and her son, Jakey, who has returned after a long absence. The mother expresses her overwhelming joy and relief upon seeing him, revealing the emotional toll of their separation. She reminisces about the pain of losing her children and the heartache of slavery, which kept them apart. Jakey shares news of his brother Ben, who is living in Tennessee with a family of his own. The mother, filled with hope, encourages Jakey to reach out to Ben, expressing her desire to reunite the family. She reflects on her newfound freedom and the loss of their former oppressor, emphasizing her wealth in love and family rather than material possessions. The mother’s longing for her family is palpable as she dreams of expanding their home to accommodate everyone. She yearns for a complete family gathering before her life ends, echoing the biblical figure Simeon, who found peace upon seeing the fulfillment of his hopes. The work captures themes of love, resilience, and the enduring bonds of family amidst the backdrop of the struggles faced by those who were enslaved.
By Frances Ellen Watkins Harper · First published 1868 · Genre: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Drama · 386 words
First lines
Well, one morning real early I was going down the street, And I heard a stranger asking For Missis Chloe Fleet.
There was a something in his voice That made me feel quite shaky, And when I looked right in his face, Who should it be but Jakey!
What this Textopian page supports
The Reunion 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: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Drama, Romance, Social Commentary
- Length: 386 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Reunion by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Reunion?
- How does this poem by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Contrast by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- The Separation by Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis
- Dandelions by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- The Brother Of Mercy by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Octoroon by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Home Sweet Home by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing rhythm and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Historical Fiction — The themes and context reflect historical realities of African American experiences, particularly around slavery and family reunification.
- Drama — The emotional exchanges and conflicts presented in the dialogue create a dramatic narrative.
- Romance — The reunion of family members and expressions of love and longing suggest romantic elements.
Tags
Reunion · Family Drama · Social Commentary · Racial Tensions · Historical Fiction · American Literature · 19th Century · Slavery · Abolitionism · Feminism · Identity · Community