Giving and Taking
The poem explores the theme of reciprocity in relationships, highlighting the importance of mutual giving and taking. It emphasizes that true love and friendship involve a balance between receiving and giving, where each person contributes their own unique qualities and strengths to the relationship. The speaker argues that when one person gives too much without expecting anything in return, it can lead to resentment and an imbalance in the relationship.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1827 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious · 226 words
First lines
I have attempted to put in English verse a prose translation of a poem by Tinnevaluva, a Hindoo poet of the third century of our era.
Who gives and hides the giving hand, Nor counts on favor, fame, or praise, Shall find his smallest gift outweighs The burden of the sea and land.
Who gives to whom hath naught been given, His gift in need, though small indeed As is the grass-blade's wind-blown seed, Is large as earth and rich as heaven.
Forget it not, O man, to whom A gift shall fall, while yet on earth; Yea, even to thy seven-fold birth Recall it in the lives to come.
What this Textopian page supports
Giving and Taking is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1827 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: 1827 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious, Didactic, Narrative
- Length: 226 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Giving and Taking by John Greenleaf Whittier
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Forgiveness by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Vision Of Echard by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Half Fledged by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Comrades by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Folly by Thiruvalluvar
- The Friendship That Injureth by Thiruvalluvar
Genres
- Poetry — The work is presented in verse form, emphasizing rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore moral and ethical considerations regarding giving and gratitude.
- Religious — The text reflects spiritual and moral teachings, suggesting a connection to religious values.
- Didactic — The work aims to instruct readers on the importance of generosity and the consequences of ingratitude.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Philosophy · Ethics · Giving and Taking · Relationships · Interdependence · Mutuality · Reciprocity · Selflessness · Generosity