What Redress by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem explores the theme of regret and longing for a lost love. It describes a person who has been separated from their loved one and is now seeking to reconnect with them. The speaker expresses deep emotions, including sorrow, yearning, and nostalgia, as they reflect on past memories and experiences shared with the absent loved one.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Romantic · 60 words
First lines
I pray you, do not use this thing For vengeance; but if questioning What wound, when dealt your humankind, Goes deepest,-surely he will find Who wrongs _you_, loving _him_ no less- There's nothing hurts like tenderness.
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What Redress is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1883 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: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Romantic
- Length: 60 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep questions about human emotions and morality, characteristic of philosophical literature.
- Romantic — The focus on love and tenderness aligns with themes commonly found in romantic literature.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Free Verse · Nature Imagery · Symbolism · Mortality · Loss · Grief · Longing · Nostalgia · Memory