A Summons by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem describes a summons to a duel, where the speaker is forced to confront his own mortality and the consequences of violence. The tone is one of resignation and fatalism, with the speaker acknowledging that he has no choice but to accept the challenge. The language is formal and ornate, reflecting the speaker's sense of dignity and honor.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1827 · Genre: Political Poetry, Social Commentary, Abolitionist Literature · 745 words
First lines
Written on the adoption of Pinckney's Resolutions in the House of Representatives, and the passage of Calhoun's "Bill for excluding Papers written or printed, touching the subject of Slavery, from the U. S. Post-office," in the Senate of the United States. Mr. Pinckney's resolutions were in brief that Congress had no authority to interfere in any way with slavery in the States; that it ought not to interfere with it in the District of Columbia, and that all resolutions to that end should be laid on the table without printing. Mr. Calhoun's bill made it a penal offence for post-masters in any State, District, or Territory "knowingly to deliver, to any person whatever, any pamphlet, newspaper, handbill, or other printed paper or pictorial representation, touching the subject of slavery, where, by the laws of the said State, District, or Territory, their circulation was prohibited. "
What this Textopian page supports
A Summons 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, Abolitionist Literature, Inspirational Poetry, Historical Poetry
- Length: 745 words
- Structure: 1 section, 18 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Political Poetry — The work addresses political themes, particularly the issue of slavery and the moral imperative to speak against oppression.
- Social Commentary — It critiques societal norms and the political climate of the time, urging action against injustice.
- Abolitionist Literature — The poem advocates for the abolition of slavery and highlights the moral responsibilities of individuals and society.
- Inspirational Poetry — It seeks to inspire readers to take action and uphold freedom and justice.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Mortality · Death · Grief · Loss · Spirituality · Faith · Hope · Existentialism