A Mystery by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem is a narrative of a woman's life, from her childhood to old age. It explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The speaker reflects on the mysteries of life and death, and the fleeting nature of human experience.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1827 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romanticism · 283 words
First lines
The river hemmed with leaning trees Wound through its meadows green; A low, blue line of mountains showed The open pines between.
One sharp, tall peak above them all Clear into sunlight sprang I saw the river of my dreams, The mountains that I sang!
No clue of memory led me on, But well the ways I knew; A feeling of familiar things With every footstep grew.
Not otherwise above its crag Could lean the blasted pine; Not otherwise the maple hold Aloft its red ensign.
What this Textopian page supports
A Mystery is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1827 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical Poetry, Mystical Poetry
- Length: 283 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Mystery by John Greenleaf Whittier
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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- How does this short story by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Nature Poetry — The vivid descriptions of the river, mountains, and meadows highlight the beauty of nature.
- Romanticism — Themes of emotion, nature, and the sublime are prevalent, aligning with Romantic ideals.
- Philosophical Poetry — The exploration of memory, existence, and the passage of time suggests philosophical undertones.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Mystery · Whimsy · Fantasy · Symbolism · Allegory · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Morality Tale · Fable