Fanaticism
The poem explores the dangers of blind and unyielding devotion to a cause or ideology, highlighting its potential for destructive consequences. It critiques the tendency to prioritize one's own beliefs over reason, compassion, and human life. The speaker argues that fanaticism can lead individuals to justify violence and harm towards others in the name of their convictions.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1856 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Tragedy · 1,426 words
First lines
THERE are occasionally deeds committed almost too horrible and revolting for publication. The tongue falters in giving them utterance; the pen trembles that records them. Such is the ghastly horror of a late tragedy in Edgecomb, in the State of Maine. A respectable and thriving citizen and his wife had been for some years very unprofitably engaged in brooding over the mysteries of the Apocalypse, and in speculations upon the personal coming of Christ and the temporal reign of the saints on earth, -- a sort of Mahometan paradise, which has as little warrant in Scripture as in reason. Their minds of necessity became unsettled; they meditated self-destruction; and, as it appears by a paper left behind in the handwriting of both, came to an agreement that the husband should first kill his wife and their four children, and then put an end to his own existence. This was literally executed, -- the miserable man striking off the heads of his wife and children with his axe, and then cutting his own throat.
What this Textopian page supports
Fanaticism is listed on Textopian as an essay by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1856 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1856 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Tragedy, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 1,426 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Fanaticism by John Greenleaf Whittier
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Fanaticism?
- How does this essay by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
- The Human Sacrifice by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Disenthralled by John Greenleaf Whittier
- El Filibusterismo by Jose Rizal
- The Cost Of A Pyramid by Oliver Herford
- Valuation by John Greenleaf Whittier
- To An Independent Preacher by Matthew Arnold
Genres
- Philosophical Fiction — The work explores deep moral and existential questions, particularly regarding fanaticism and the consequences of extreme beliefs.
- Gothic Fiction — The themes of horror, madness, and the supernatural align with the characteristics of Gothic literature.
- Tragedy — The narrative centers on tragic events and the downfall of characters due to their misguided beliefs.
- Psychological Fiction — The exploration of the characters' mental states and the impact of fanaticism on their psyche is a key focus.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Religion · Fanaticism · Criticism · Social Commentary · Moral Allegory · Free Verse · Symbolism · Allegory · Satire