I was a Stranger, and Ye Took me in
The poem describes the speaker's experience of being a stranger who was taken in by someone, likely a family member or close friend. The speaker reflects on the kindness and generosity they received, which made them feel welcome and at home. The poem explores themes of hospitality, gratitude, and the importance of human connection.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1867 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Romanticism · 255 words
First lines
An incident in St. Augustine, Florida.
'Neath skies that winter never knew The air was full of light and balm, And warm and soft the Gulf wind blew Through orange bloom and groves of palm.
A stranger from the frozen North, Who sought the fount of health in vain, Sank homeless on the alien earth, And breathed the languid air with pain.
God's angel came! The tender shade Of pity made her blue eye dim; Against her woman's breast she laid The drooping, fainting head of him.
What this Textopian page supports
I was a Stranger, and Ye Took me in is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1867 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: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Romanticism, Narrative, Historical
- Length: 255 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for I was a Stranger, and Ye Took me in 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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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetry.
- Religious — Themes of compassion, service, and divine presence are central to the narrative.
- Romanticism — The emphasis on emotion, nature, and individual experience aligns with Romantic ideals.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story of care and compassion through a specific incident.
Tags
Poetry · Christianity · Allegory · Social Justice · Slavery · Abolitionism · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Religious Themes · Moral Lessons · Fables · Parables