John Underhill
The poem tells the story of a young man who returns to his native village after serving in the American Revolution. He is disillusioned with the world and struggles to find meaning in his life. The poem explores themes of identity, morality, and the complexities of human nature.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1828 · Genre: Historical Poetry, Religious Poetry, Narrative Poetry · 1,831 words
First lines
A SCORE of years had come and gone Since the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth stone, When Captain Underhill, bearing scars From Indian ambush and Flemish wars, Left three-hilled Boston and wandered down, East by north, to Cocheco town.
With Vane the younger, in counsel sweet, He had sat at Anna Hutchinson's feet, And, when the bolt of banishment fell On the head of his saintly oracle, He had shared her ill as her good report, And braved the wrath of the General Court.
What this Textopian page supports
John Underhill is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1828 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: 1828 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Poetry, Religious Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Romanticism, Moral Poetry
- Length: 1,831 words
- Structure: 1 section, 25 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for John Underhill 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
- Historical Poetry — The poem recounts historical events and figures from early American history, focusing on Captain Underhill's experiences.
- Religious Poetry — Themes of faith, sin, redemption, and the struggle between good and evil are central to the narrative.
- Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story with a clear plot and character development, following Underhill's journey and internal conflict.
- Romanticism — The work reflects Romantic ideals through its emphasis on individual experience, nature, and emotional depth.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · 19th Century · New England · Autobiographical Elements · Historical Fiction · Biographical Sketches · Colonial Era · Puritanism · Religious Themes · Moral Lessons · Coming of Age