Hymn by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem describes a hymn sung by the oppressed and downtrodden, expressing their longing for freedom and justice. It portrays the struggles of the working class and the poor, who are forced to live in poverty and hardship. The hymn is a call to action, urging people to rise up against their oppressors and fight for their rights.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1827 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Social Commentary, Lyric Poetry · 348 words
First lines
Written for the meeting of the Anti-Slavery Society, at Chatham Street Chapel, New York, held on the 4th of the seventh month, 1834.
O THOU, whose presence went before Our fathers in their weary way, As with Thy chosen moved of yore The fire by night, the cloud by day!
What this Textopian page supports
Hymn 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: Religious Poetry, Social Commentary, Lyric Poetry, Inspirational Literature, Historical Poetry
- Length: 348 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Hymn 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
- The Summons by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Cross by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Godspeed by John Greenleaf Whittier
- A Summons by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Two Angels by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Triumph by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Religious Poetry — The work expresses deep spiritual themes and invokes divine presence, characteristic of religious poetry.
- Social Commentary — It addresses social issues, particularly slavery, reflecting the moral and ethical concerns of the time.
- Lyric Poetry — The personal and emotional tone aligns with the characteristics of lyric poetry, focusing on feelings and reflections.
- Inspirational Literature — The themes of hope, freedom, and divine intervention serve to inspire and uplift the reader.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Free Verse · Nature Poetry · Spirituality · Meditation · Reflection · Philosophy · Existentialism · Faith · Hope