Kenoza Lake
The poem describes a serene and peaceful lake scene at dawn, with the sun rising over the water. The speaker reflects on the beauty of nature and the fleeting nature of life. The poem explores themes of mortality, impermanence, and the transience of human existence. It also touches on the idea that even in death, there is still a sense of peace and tranquility to be found.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1847 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Romanticism · 463 words
First lines
This beautiful lake in East Haverhill was the "Great Pond" the writer's boyhood. In 1859 a movement was made for improving its shores as a public park. At the opening of the park, August 31, 1859, the poem which gave it the name of Kenoza (in Indian language signifying Pickerel) was read.
As Adam did in Paradise, To-day the primal right we claim Fair mirror of the woods and skies, We give to thee a name.
What this Textopian page supports
Kenoza Lake is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1847 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: 1847 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Romanticism, Lyric Poetry, Regionalism
- Length: 463 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Kenoza Lake 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 Kenoza Lake?
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is primarily a poem that explores themes of nature, memory, and community.
- Nature Writing — The poem vividly describes the beauty of the lake and its surroundings, emphasizing the connection to the natural world.
- Romanticism — The themes of nostalgia, beauty, and emotional connection to nature align with Romantic ideals.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal feelings and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Lake · Serene · Peaceful · Reflection · Meditation · Solitude · Isolation · Nostalgia · Longing · Yearning