A Name by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem explores the theme of identity and self-discovery through the eyes of a young woman who reflects on her life's journey and the choices she has made. It delves into the complexities of human nature, revealing the contradictions and paradoxes that exist within individuals. The speaker grapples with the idea of being true to oneself while navigating societal expectations and pressures.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1827 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Elegy · 430 words
First lines
Addressed to my grand-nephew, Greenleaf Whittier Pickard. Jonathan Greenleaf, in A Genealogy of the Greenleaf Family, says briefly: "From all that can be gathered, it is believed that the ancestors of the Greenleaf family were Huguenots, who left France on account of their religious principles some time in the course of the sixteenth century, and settled in England. The name was probably translated from the French Feuillevert. "
The name the Gallic exile bore, St. Malo! from thy ancient mart, Became upon our Western shore Greenleaf for Feuillevert.
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A Name 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: Poetry, Lyric, Elegy, Romanticism, Philosophical
- Length: 430 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Elegy — The themes of legacy, memory, and the passage of time suggest an elegiac quality.
- Romanticism — The emphasis on nature, emotion, and individual experience aligns with Romantic ideals.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Free Verse · Nature Poetry · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Personification · Allegory · Mortality · Existentialism