David Matson
The poem is a tribute to David Matson, a Quaker who was imprisoned for his anti-slavery views. It portrays him as a symbol of moral courage and conviction in the face of oppression. The speaker praises Matson's unwavering commitment to his principles and his willingness to suffer for what he believes in.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1858 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Tragedy, Adventure · 1,676 words
First lines
Published originally in Our Young Folks, 1865.
What this Textopian page supports
David Matson is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1858 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: 1858 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Tragedy, Adventure, Romance, Literary Fiction
- Length: 1,676 words
- Structure: 1 section, 20 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for David Matson 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 David Matson?
- How does this short story by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical context, exploring themes of slavery and personal sacrifice.
- Tragedy — The story revolves around loss, unfulfilled love, and the sorrow of separation, embodying tragic elements.
- Adventure — The protagonist's journey includes elements of adventure, particularly his experiences at sea and captivity.
- Romance — The emotional core of the story focuses on the love between David and Anna, highlighting romantic themes.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · 19th Century · New England · Autobiographical Elements · Biographical Fiction · Historical Fiction · Regionalism · Local Color · Coming of Age · Social Commentary · Morality Tale