
Hymn of the Dunkers
The poem describes a group of Quakers who are persecuted for their beliefs and are forced to flee their homes. They find refuge in the wilderness, where they establish a community based on their principles of simplicity and equality. The hymn expresses their joy and gratitude for this new life, and their commitment to living according to their faith.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1826 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Spiritual, Historical · 447 words
First lines
KLOSTER KEDAR, EPHRATA, PENNSYLVANIA (1738). SISTER MARIA CHRISTINA sings.
Wake, sisters, wake! the day-star shines; Above Ephrata's eastern pines The dawn is breaking, cool and calm. Wake, sisters, wake to prayer and psalm!
What this Textopian page supports
Hymn of the Dunkers is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1826 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: 1826 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Spiritual, Historical, Lyric, Narrative
- Length: 447 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Hymn of the Dunkers 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 Hymn of the Dunkers?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
Genres
- Religious Poetry — The work is centered around themes of faith, prayer, and divine intervention, characteristic of religious poetry.
- Spiritual — The poem explores spiritual themes, including redemption, divine love, and the promise of eternal life.
- Historical — It reflects historical contexts, particularly the experiences of a religious community in Pennsylvania.
- Lyric — The personal and emotional expression of faith and devotion aligns with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · Religious Themes · Quakerism · 19th Century · Free Verse · Nature Imagery · Spirituality · Mortality · Faith · Doubt · Existential Crisis
More by John Greenleaf Whittier