A Song for the Time by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem is a lamentation of the passing of time and the loss of innocence. It reflects on the fleeting nature of youth and the inevitability of aging and death. The speaker expresses a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era, when life was simpler and more carefree. The poem also touches on themes of love, loss, and the transience of human experience.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1827 · Genre: Political Poetry, Social Commentary, Inspirational Literature · 409 words
First lines
Written in the summer of 1856, during the political campaign of the Free Soil party under the candidacy of John C. Fremont.
Up, laggards of Freedom! -- our free flag is cast To the blaze of the sun and the wings of the blast; Will ye turn from a struggle so bravely begun, From a foe that is breaking, a field that's half won?
What this Textopian page supports
A Song for the Time 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: Political Poetry, Social Commentary, Inspirational Literature, Romanticism, Historical Poetry
- Length: 409 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Song for the Time by John Greenleaf Whittier
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Genres
- Political Poetry — The work addresses themes of freedom, political struggle, and social justice, reflecting the political climate of its time.
- Social Commentary — It critiques societal norms and injustices, particularly regarding slavery and human rights.
- Inspirational Literature — The poem serves to inspire action and unity among those fighting for freedom and justice.
- Romanticism — The emotional appeal and focus on individual and collective struggle align with Romantic ideals.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · 19th Century · Social Commentary · Slavery · Abolitionism · Free Verse · Lyric Poetry · Nature Imagery · Symbolism · Moral Allegory · Historical Context