In Remembrance of Joseph Sturge
The poem commemorates the life and work of a British abolitionist who advocated for the emancipation of slaves in the West Indies. It highlights his tireless efforts to expose the brutal treatment of enslaved people and to persuade governments to take action against slavery. The poem also touches on Sturge's later involvement in the Crimean War, where he worked to improve conditions for soldiers and civilians affected by the conflict.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1865 · Genre: Poetry, Elegy, Social Commentary · 750 words
First lines
In the fair land o'erwatched by Ischia's mountains, Across the charmed bay Whose blue waves keep with Capri's silver fountains Perpetual holiday,
A king lies dead, his wafer duly eaten, His gold-bought masses given; And Rome's great altar smokes with gums to sweeten Her foulest gift to Heaven.
What this Textopian page supports
In Remembrance of Joseph Sturge is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1865 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: 1865 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Elegy, Social Commentary, Historical, Inspirational
- Length: 750 words
- Structure: 1 section, 25 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for In Remembrance of Joseph Sturge 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 In Remembrance of Joseph Sturge?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- To The Memory Of Inez Milholland by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Freedom In Brazil by John Greenleaf Whittier
- By Their Works by John Greenleaf Whittier
- William Francis Bartlett by John Greenleaf Whittier
- George L Stearns by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Female Martyr by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing meter and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Elegy — The poem serves as a tribute to a deceased individual, reflecting on themes of loss and remembrance.
- Social Commentary — It addresses social issues, including the plight of the poor and the moral responsibilities of individuals.
- Historical — The poem references historical figures and events, situating the personal within a broader historical context.
Tags
Biography · Poetry · Autobiographical · Historical · Nonfiction · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Social Justice · Abolitionism · Slavery · Civil Rights · Christianity