At School-Close
The poem describes a schoolhouse closing for the summer and the students' reluctance to leave their teacher's care. The speaker reflects on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of childhood innocence. The poem explores themes of nostalgia, loss, and the bittersweet transition from youth to adulthood.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1826 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Coming-of-Age · 468 words
First lines
BOWDOIN STREET, BOSTON, 1877.
The end has come, as come it must To all things; in these sweet June days The teacher and the scholar trust Their parting feet to separate ways.
What this Textopian page supports
At School-Close is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1826 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: 1826 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Inspirational, Coming-of-Age, Educational, Reflective
- Length: 468 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for At School-Close 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 School-Close?
- How does this short story by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Lost Thrill by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Old Days by James Whitcomb Riley
- Fire Fly City Lyrics Dramatic And Personal by Henry Van Dyke
- Revisited by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Marguerite by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Winter Fancies by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter characteristic of poetry.
- Inspirational — The themes focus on growth, parting, and the positive impact of education, aiming to inspire readers.
- Coming-of-Age — The narrative reflects the transition from youth to adulthood, highlighting personal development and maturity.
- Educational — The text emphasizes the importance of learning and the teacher-student relationship, central to educational themes.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Education · School Life · Childhood Memories · Nostalgia · Autobiographical Elements · Coming of Age · Literary Classic · Free Verse · Nature Imagery