Channing by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem tells the story of a young woman who dies after giving birth to twins. The speaker reflects on her life and death, highlighting her beauty, kindness, and generosity. He also notes that she was a devoted mother and wife, but ultimately succumbed to the hardships of childbirth. The poem explores themes of mortality, love, and the fleeting nature of human life.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1834 · Genre: Poetry, Biography, Philosophical · 786 words
First lines
The last time I saw Dr. Channing was in the summer of 1841, when, in company with my English friend, Joseph Sturge, so well known for his philanthropic labors and liberal political opinions, I visited him in his summer residence in Rhode Island. In recalling the impressions of that visit, it can scarcely be necessary to say, that I have no reference to the peculiar religious opinions of a man whose life, beautifully and truly manifested above the atmosphere of sect, is now the world's common legacy.
Not vainly did old poets tell, Nor vainly did old genius paint God's great and crowning miracle, The hero and the saint!
What this Textopian page supports
Channing is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1834 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Biography, Philosophical, Historical, Religious
- Length: 786 words
- Structure: 1 section, 25 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Channing 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 Channing?
- 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
- Daniel Wheeler by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Chalkley Hall by John Greenleaf Whittier
- In The Evil Days by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Story Of Ida by John Greenleaf Whittier
- St John by John Greenleaf Whittier
- David Matson by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Biography — It reflects on the life and influence of a significant historical figure.
- Philosophical — The themes explore moral and ethical considerations, particularly around faith and humanity.
- Historical — It provides context and commentary on historical events and social issues of the time.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · 19th Century · New England · Autobiographical · Biographical · Historical Fiction · Free Verse · Narrative Poetry · Coming of Age · Family Drama · Social Commentary