The poem explores the fleeting nature of fame and glory, suggesting that they are ultimately unattainable and ephemeral. The speaker describes how people often strive for greatness but end up being forgotten in time. The poem also touches on the idea that true greatness lies not in external recognition, but in the quiet, inner virtues of a person's character.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1854 · Genre: Non-fiction, Philosophical, Political