Bitter-Sweet (Songs of Hearth and Altar)
The novel explores the complexities of human relationships through a series of interconnected stories that revolve around a family's struggles with love, loss, and identity. It delves into themes of nostalgia, longing, and the search for meaning in life, often blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Through its characters' experiences, the narrative highlights the tension between tradition and modernity, as well as the fragility of human connections in the face of change and uncertainty. Ultimately, the novel presents a nuanced portrayal of the human condition, one that acknowledges both the beauty and the pain that can arise from our most intimate relationships.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Religious · 169 words
First lines
Just to give up, and trust All to a Fate unknown, Plodding along life's road in the dust, Bounded by walls of stone; Never to have a heart at peace; Never to see when care will cease; Just to be still when sorrows fall -- This is the bitterest lesson of all.
Just to give up, and rest All on a Love secure, Out of a world that's hard at the best, Looking to heaven as sure; Ever to hope, through cloud and fear, In darkest night, that the dawn is near; Just to wait at the Master's feet -- Surely, now, the bitter is sweet.
What this Textopian page supports
Bitter-Sweet (Songs of Hearth and Altar) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Inspirational, Religious, Philosophical
- Length: 169 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Similar titles
- Song Of A Pilgrim Soul Songs Of Hearth And Altar by Henry Van Dyke
- If All The Skies Of Skies And Seasons by Henry Van Dyke
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- Triumph by Emily Dickinson
- A Service Of Song by Emily Dickinson
- Easter Morn by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey its themes.
- Inspirational — The themes focus on trust, hope, and finding peace, which are common in inspirational literature.
- Religious — References to 'Love secure' and 'the Master's feet' suggest a spiritual or religious undertone.
- Philosophical — The text explores existential themes such as fate, peace, and the nature of suffering.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Christianity · Faith · Spirituality · Nature · Seasonal · Autumn · Winter · Domestic Life · Family