Ichabod by John Greenleaf Whittier

Name: Ichabod
Author: John Greenleaf Whittier

The poem tells the story of a young man named Ichabod who falls deeply in love with Katrina Van Tassel, the daughter of Baltus Van Tassel, a wealthy farmer. Ichabod's rival for Katrina's affections is Brom Bones, a rough and boisterous suitor. Ichabod attends a harvest festival at the Van Tassel farm, where he meets Katrina and becomes smitten with her. However, his chances with Katrina are threatened when Brom Bones appears on the scene, causing Ichabod to become increasingly anxious and jealous. As the night wears on, Ichabod's anxiety reaches a boiling point, and he is eventually chased away by a mysterious figure in a horseman's cloak. The next morning, Ichabod is nowhere to be found, and it is assumed that he has been spirited away by the Headless Horseman, a legendary ghost who is said to haunt the area. The poem ends with Brom Bones claiming that he was the one who chased Ichabod away, but it is left ambiguous whether this is actually true or just a ruse to cover up his own guilt.

By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1855 · Genre: Poetry, Political Commentary, Historical Reflection · 507 words

First lines

This poem was the outcome of the surprise and grief and forecast of evil consequences which I felt on reading the seventh of March speech of Daniel Webster in support of the "compromise," and the Fugitive Slave Law. No partisan or personal enmity dictated it. On the contrary my admiration of the splendid personality and intellectual power of the great Senator was never stronger than when I laid down his speech, and, in one of the saddest moments of my life, penned my protest. I saw, as I wrote, with painful clearness its sure results, -- the Slave Power arrogant and defiant, strengthened and encouraged to carry out its scheme for the extension of its baleful system, or the dissolution of the Union, the guaranties of personal liberty in the free States broken down, and the whole country made the hunting-ground of slave-catchers. In the horror of such a vision, so soon fearfully fulfilled, if one spoke at all, he could only speak in tones of stern and sorrowful rebuke. But death softens all resentments, and the consciousness of a common inheritance of frailty and weakness modifies the severity of judgment. Years after, in _The Lost Occasion_ I gave utterance to an almost universal regret that the great statesman did not live to see the flag which he loved trampled under the feet of Slavery, and, in view of this desecration, make his last days glorious in defence of "Liberty and Union, one and inseparable. "

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Ichabod is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1855 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
Date: 1855 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Political Commentary, Historical Reflection, Elegy, Social Critique
Length: 507 words
Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is a poem that employs structured verse and employs literary devices typical of poetry.
Political Commentary — The poem addresses political themes, particularly the implications of the Fugitive Slave Law and its impact on society.
Historical Reflection — The poem reflects on historical events and figures, providing insight into the socio-political climate of the time.
Elegy — The poem mourns the fall of a prominent figure, expressing sorrow and lamentation for lost ideals.