A Lament by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem is a lament for the loss of innocence and the passing of youth. It expresses a sense of regret and longing for a bygone era. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of decline and death. The tone is melancholic and introspective, with a focus on the transience of human experience.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1827 · Genre: Elegy, Lyric Poetry, Romanticism · 504 words
First lines
"The parted spirit, Knoweth it not our sorrow? Answereth not Its blessing to our tears? "
The circle is broken, one seat is forsaken, One bud from the tree of our friendship is shaken; One heart from among us no longer shall thrill With joy in our gladness, or grief in our ill.
What this Textopian page supports
A Lament is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1827 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1827 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Elegy, Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Spiritual Reflection, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 504 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Lament by John Greenleaf Whittier
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Elegy — The poem expresses deep sorrow and mourning for a lost loved one, characteristic of elegiac poetry.
- Lyric Poetry — The work conveys personal emotions and reflections, typical of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, emotion, and individual experience align with Romantic literary ideals.
- Spiritual Reflection — The poem contemplates life, death, and the afterlife, indicating a spiritual dimension.
Tags
Poem · Lamentation · Grief · Loss · Mourning · Elegy · Funeral · Death · Dying · Sorrow · Pain · Longing