A Legacy by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem explores the theme of legacy and how it can be both a blessing and a curse. It describes a family's history and the weight of their ancestors' actions on their own lives. The speaker reflects on the past, acknowledging the mistakes made by his predecessors but also recognizing the good they did. He grapples with the idea that he is a product of this legacy and must navigate its complexities in order to forge his own path.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1826 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical · 145 words
First lines
Friend of my many years When the great silence falls, at last, on me, Let me not leave, to pain and sadden thee, A memory of tears,
But pleasant thoughts alone Of one who was thy friendship's honored guest And drank the wine of consolation pressed From sorrows of thy own.
I leave with thee a sense Of hands upheld and trials rendered less -- The unselfish joy which is to helpfulness Its own great recompense;
The knowledge that from thine, As from the garments of the Master, stole Calmness and strength, the virtue which makes whole And heals without a sign;
What this Textopian page supports
A Legacy is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1826 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: 1826 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical, Elegy, Spiritual
- Length: 145 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Legacy by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Legacy?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Bryant by James Whitcomb Riley
- Between The Gates by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Memory Of Burns by John Greenleaf Whittier
- At The Grave Of Heine by Olive Tilford Dargan
- Martin by Joyce Kilmer
- The Singer by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Inspirational — Themes of friendship, consolation, and the enduring nature of love provide an uplifting message.
- Philosophical — The exploration of love, memory, and the human experience reflects philosophical inquiries.
- Elegy — The tone and subject matter suggest a farewell, typical of elegiac poetry.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Free Verse · Nature Poetry · Autobiographical Elements · Family Dynamics · Legacy · Mortality · Nostalgia · Patriotism · Regionalism