The Wandering Jew by James Whitcomb Riley
The story revolves around a man who is cursed to wander the earth for eternity after refusing to let Jesus rest on his way to Golgotha. He witnesses major historical events and meets various figures from history, literature, and mythology. The narrative explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the human condition through the Jew's experiences.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1847 · Genre: Poetry, Religious Fiction, Philosophical Fiction · 474 words
First lines
The stars are failing, and the sky / Is like a field of faded flowers; / The winds on weary wings go by; / The moon hides, and the temptest lowers; / And still through every clime and age / I wander on a pilgrimage / That all men know an idle quest, / For that the goal I seek is -- REST!
I hear the voice of summer streams, / And, following, I find the brink / Of cooling springs, with childish dreams / Returning as I bend to drink -- / But suddenly, with startled eyes, / My face looks on its grim disguise / Of long gray beard; and so, distressed, / I hasten on, nor taste of rest.
What this Textopian page supports
The Wandering Jew is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1847 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1847 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
- Length: 474 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Wandering Jew by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Religious Fiction — The narrative references biblical themes and figures, such as Pontius Pilate and Bethlehem, indicating a religious context.
- Philosophical Fiction — The themes explore existential questions about life, eternity, and the search for rest, which are central to philosophical inquiry.
- Historical Fiction — The text alludes to historical events and figures, such as the reign of Pontius Pilate, providing a historical backdrop.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · Historical Fiction · Literary Fiction · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Philosophy · Existentialism · Mystery · Thriller · Adventure · Travelogue