For an Autumn Festival
The poem describes a harvest festival on a rural New England farm. The speaker reflects on the passing of time and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The poem's tone is nostalgic and contemplative, with a focus on the beauty of nature and the importance of tradition.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1858 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Celebratory Literature · 360 words
First lines
The Persian's flowery gifts, the shrine Of fruitful Ceres, charm no more; The woven wreaths of oak and pine Are dust along the Isthmian shore.
But beauty hath its homage still, And nature holds us still in debt; And woman's grace and household skill, And manhood's toil, are honored yet.
What this Textopian page supports
For an Autumn Festival is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1858 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Celebratory Literature, Religious Literature, American Regionalism
- Length: 360 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter characteristic of poetry.
- Nature Writing — The themes focus on the beauty and bounty of nature, particularly in the context of autumn.
- Celebratory Literature — The text expresses gratitude and celebration for the harvest and the blessings of the season.
- Religious Literature — The work contains spiritual themes, acknowledging divine providence and gratitude.
Tags
Autumn · Festival · Poetry · Nature · Seasonal · Harvest · Thanksgiving · American · Literary · Classic · 19th Century · Symbolism