Elliott by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem is a tribute to the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad. It tells the story of an escaped slave named Eli who flees from his plantation in the South to freedom in the North. The poem explores themes of slavery, freedom, and the moral obligation to help those in need.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1846 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, Political Literature · 451 words
First lines
Ebenezer Elliott was to the artisans of England what Burns was to the peasantry of Scotland. His Corn-law Rhymes contributed not a little to that overwhelming tide of popular opinion and feeling which resulted in the repeal of the tax on bread. Well has the eloquent author of The Reforms and Reformers of Great Britain said of him, "Not corn-law repealers alone, but all Britons who moisten their scanty bread with the sweat of the brow, are largely indebted to his inspiring lay, for the mighty bound which the laboring mind of England has taken in our day. "
What this Textopian page supports
Elliott is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1846 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: 1846 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Social Commentary, Political Literature, Romanticism, Historical Literature
- Length: 451 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Social Commentary — It addresses social issues, particularly the plight of the poor and laborers in England.
- Political Literature — The text engages with political themes, specifically the repeal of the corn laws and its impact on society.
- Romanticism — It reflects Romantic ideals, emphasizing emotion, nature, and the struggles of the common man.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · 19th Century · Free Verse · Nature Poetry · Romanticism · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Personification · Allegory · Autobiographical