Where Shall we Land?
The poem explores the idea of mortality and the afterlife, with a focus on the speaker's desire to know where they will end up when they die. The poem uses imagery and metaphor to describe the various destinations that might await the deceased, including heaven, hell, and a neutral realm. The speaker is torn between the desire for eternal life and the fear of death, and ultimately concludes that the afterlife remains a mystery.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Fantasy · 334 words
First lines
"Where shall we land you, sweet? " -- Swinburne.
All listlessly we float Out seaward in the boat That beareth Love.
What this Textopian page supports
Where Shall we Land? 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, Romance, Fantasy, Philosophical
- Length: 334 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Where Shall we Land? by James Whitcomb Riley
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Where Shall we Land??
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The theme revolves around love and companionship, as indicated by the intimate dialogue and setting.
- Fantasy — The imagery of fairy isles and fanciful landscapes suggests elements of fantasy and imagination.
- Philosophical — The existential question of 'Where shall we land?' implies a deeper philosophical inquiry into life and destiny.
Tags
Poetry Collection · American Literature · 19th Century Poetry · Humorous Verse · Satire · Social Commentary · Rural Life · Farm Life · Country Living · Nature Imagery · Whimsy · Fantasy