At Eventide
The poem describes a peaceful evening scene where the speaker reflects on life's fleeting nature and the inevitability of death. The setting sun casts a warm glow over the landscape, symbolizing the passing of time. The speaker's thoughts are introspective and melancholic, acknowledging the transience of human existence.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1854 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Nature Poetry · 176 words
First lines
Poor and inadequate the shadow-play Of gain and loss, of waking and of dream, Against life's solemn background needs must seem At this late hour. Yet, not unthankfully, I call to mind the fountains by the way, The breath of flowers, the bird-song on the spray, Dear friends, sweet human loves, the joy of giving And of receiving, the great boon of living In grand historic years when Liberty Had need of word and work, quick sympathies For all who fail and suffer, song's relief, Nature's uncloying loveliness; and chief, The kind restraining hand of Providence, The inward witness, the assuring sense Of an Eternal Good which overlies The sorrow of the world, Love which outlives All sin and wrong, Compassion which forgives To the uttermost, and Justice whose clear eyes Through lapse and failure look to the intent, And judge our frailty by the life we meant. 1878.
What this Textopian page supports
At Eventide is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1854 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: 1854 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Nature Poetry, Religious Poetry, Social Commentary
- Length: 176 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Confusing
Good citation fit
- Work identity for At Eventide 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 At Eventide?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Last Walk In Autumn by John Greenleaf Whittier
- To A Sexton by William Wordsworth
- October by Robert Frost
- Indian Summer by Emily Dickinson
- An Old Song by Edward Thomas
- Evening by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work employs personal reflection and emotional expression, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Philosophical Poetry — It explores deep themes of existence, morality, and the human condition.
- Nature Poetry — Nature imagery is prevalent, highlighting the beauty and significance of the natural world.
- Religious Poetry — The text reflects on divine providence and spiritual themes, indicating a religious undertone.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Mortality · Loss · Grief · Reflection · Memory · Nostalgia · Seasonal · Autumn · Fading Light · Ephemerality