How Mary Grew
The poem tells the story of a young woman named Mary who lives on an island off the coast of Maine. She is poor and uneducated but has a strong sense of independence and self-reliance. The poem describes her daily life, including her work as a fisherwoman and her relationships with the other islanders. Mary's character is portrayed as being strong-willed and determined, but also kind and compassionate towards others. The poem highlights her struggles to make ends meet and her desire for education and self-improvement. The poem also touches on themes of class and social status, highlighting the difficulties faced by those living in poverty. However, it ultimately presents a positive view of Mary's life, emphasizing her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1830 · Genre: Biography, Inspirational, Social Commentary · 298 words
First lines
These lines were in answer to an invitation to hear a lecture of Mary Grew, of Philadelphia, before the Boston Radical Club. The reference in the last stanza is to an essay on Sappho by T. W. Higginson, read at the club the preceding month.
With wisdom far beyond her years, And graver than her wondering peers, So strong, so mild, combining still The tender heart and queenly will, To conscience and to duty true, So, up from childhood, Mary Grew!
Then in her gracious womanhood She gave her days to doing good. She dared the scornful laugh of men, The hounding mob, the slanderer's pen. She did the work she found to do, -- A Christian heroine, Mary Grew!
What this Textopian page supports
How Mary Grew is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1830 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: 1830 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Biography, Inspirational, Social Commentary, Poetry, Historical
- Length: 298 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for How Mary Grew by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering How Mary Grew?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Biography first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Channing by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Norumbega Hall by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Chicago by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Rantoul by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Daniel Wheeler by John Greenleaf Whittier
- To Delaware by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Biography — The poem reflects on the life and contributions of Mary Grew, highlighting her character and achievements.
- Inspirational — The themes of personal growth, moral duty, and social justice serve to inspire readers.
- Social Commentary — The work addresses societal issues such as women's rights and the plight of the oppressed.
- Poetry — The writing style is poetic, employing meter and rhyme to convey its message.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · 19th Century · New England · Autobiographical · Coming of Age · Family Life · Social Commentary · Morality Tale · Christian Themes · Education · Self-Discovery