A Woman by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem describes a woman who has been wronged by society and is now seeking revenge. She is portrayed as strong-willed and determined to exact justice for the injustices she has suffered. The speaker of the poem reflects on her past, highlighting instances where she was mistreated and overlooked. The tone is one of outrage and condemnation towards those who have wronged her.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1825 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Feminist Literature · 167 words
First lines
Oh, dwarfed and wronged, and stained with ill, Behold! thou art a woman still! And, by that sacred name and dear, I bid thy better self appear. Still, through thy foul disguise, I see The rudimental purity, That, spite of change and loss, makes good Thy birthright-claim of womanhood; An inward loathing, deep, intense; A shame that is half innocence. Cast off the grave-clothes of thy sin! Rise from the dust thou liest in, As Mary rose at Jesus' word, Redeemed and white before the Lord! Reclairn thy lost soul! In His name, Rise up, and break thy bonds of shame. Art weak? He 's strong. Art fearful? Hear The world's O'ercomer: "Be of cheer! " What lip shall judge when He approves? Who dare to scorn the child He loves?
What this Textopian page supports
A Woman is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1825 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: 1825 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Feminist Literature, Inspirational, Romanticism
- Length: 167 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Woman 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 Woman?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Dorothea 1888 1912 Songs Of Hearth And Altar by Henry Van Dyke
- Eva by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Kathleen by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Her Beautiful Hands by James Whitcomb Riley
- Dora Green Well by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Betrothal by Edna St Vincent Millay
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter to convey its themes.
- Religious — The text explores themes of redemption, purity, and spiritual awakening.
- Feminist Literature — It addresses the struggles and dignity of womanhood, advocating for empowerment and reclamation of identity.
- Inspirational — The poem aims to uplift and encourage the reader towards self-acceptance and strength.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Free Verse · Nature Poetry · Romanticism · Feminine Perspective · Social Commentary · Marriage · Love · Relationships · Domesticity