An Artist of the Beautiful
The story revolves around a young man who becomes infatuated with an older woman and her daughter. He idealizes the mother as a symbol of beauty and purity, while also being drawn to the daughter's innocence and charm. The narrative explores themes of love, morality, and the corrupting influence of desire.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1834 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Poetry, Philosophical Fiction · 128 words
First lines
GEORGE FULLER
Haunted of Beauty, like the marvellous youth Who sang Saint Agnes' Eve! How passing fair Her shapes took color in thy homestead air! How on thy canvas even her dreams were truth! Magician! who from commonest elements Called up divine ideals, clothed upon By mystic lights soft blending into one Womanly grace and child-like innocence. Teacher I thy lesson was not given in vain. Beauty is goodness; ugliness is sin; Art's place is sacred: nothing foul therein May crawl or tread with bestial feet profane. If rightly choosing is the painter's test, Thy choice, O master, ever was the best. 1885.
What this Textopian page supports
An Artist of the Beautiful is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1834 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: 1834 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Poetry, Philosophical Fiction, Romanticism, Drama
- Length: 128 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for An Artist of the Beautiful 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
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering An Artist of the Beautiful?
- How does this short story by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores deep themes of beauty, art, and morality, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Poetry — The text employs poetic language and structure, emphasizing rhythm and imagery.
- Philosophical Fiction — It delves into philosophical themes regarding the nature of beauty and goodness.
- Romanticism — The focus on beauty and idealism aligns with Romantic literary traditions.
Tags
American Literature · 19th Century Fiction · Philosophical Fiction · Existentialism · Moral Dilemma · Artistic Expression · Beauty and Morality · Aestheticism · Romanticism · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Industrialization