Daniel Neall
The poem is a tribute to Daniel Neall, an American poet and educator who died at a young age. It reflects on his life, work, and legacy, highlighting his passion for literature and education. The speaker praises Neall's dedication to his craft and his ability to inspire others through his writing.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1850 · Genre: Biography, Historical Fiction, Poetry · 673 words
First lines
Dr. Neall, a worthy disciple of that venerated philanthropist, Warner Mifflin, whom the Girondist statesman, Jean Pierre Brissot, pronounced "an angel of mercy, the best man he ever knew," was one of the noble band of Pennsylvania abolitionists, whose bravery was equalled only by their gentleness and tenderness. He presided at the great anti-slavery meeting in Pennsylvania Hall, May 17, 1838, when the Hall was surrounded by a furious mob. I was standing near him while the glass of the windows broken by missiles showered over him, and a deputation from the rioters forced its way to the platform, and demanded that the meeting should be closed at once. Dr. Neall drew up his tall form to its utmost height. "I am here," he said, "the president of this meeting, and I will be torn in pieces before I leave my place at your dictation. Go back to those who sent you. I shall do my duty. " Some years after, while visiting his relatives in his native State of Delaware, he was dragged from the house of his friends by a mob of slave-holders and brutally maltreated. He bore it like a martyr of the old times; and when released, told his persecutors that he forgave them, for it was not they but Slavery which had done the wrong. If they should ever be in Philadelphia and needed hospitality or aid, let them call on him.
What this Textopian page supports
Daniel Neall is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1850 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: 1850 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Biography, Historical Fiction, Poetry, Social Commentary, Inspirational Literature
- Length: 673 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Daniel Neall 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 Daniel Neall?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Biography first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Elliott by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Within The Gate by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Passaconaway by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Pine Tree by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Word by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Adjustment by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Biography — The work focuses on the life and character of Dr. Neall, detailing his actions and moral stance as an abolitionist.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set against the backdrop of historical events related to the abolitionist movement, providing context to the character's experiences.
- Poetry — The text employs poetic structure and language, reflecting the emotional depth and themes of morality and justice.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques societal norms and injustices, particularly regarding slavery and moral integrity.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Free Verse · Nature Poetry · Romanticism · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Personification · Allegory · Folklore