King Solomon and the Ants
The poem tells the story of King Solomon who, while out for a walk, observes ants working together to gather food and store it away for the winter. He is struck by their industry and organization, and reflects on how humans could learn from their example. The poem explores themes of hard work, cooperation, and the importance of planning for the future.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1860 · Genre: Poetry, Allegory, Fable · 535 words
First lines
OUT from Jerusalem The king rode with his great War chiefs and lords of state, And Sheba's queen with them;
Comely, but black withal, To whom, perchance, belongs That wondrous Song of songs, Sensuous and mystical,
What this Textopian page supports
King Solomon and the Ants is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1860 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: 1860 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Allegory, Fable, Historical Fiction, Philosophical Literature
- Length: 535 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for King Solomon and the Ants 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 King Solomon and the Ants?
- 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
- The Porcupine by Hilaire Belloc
- Mule And Bear Fight by James Mcintyre
- The Camel by Hilaire Belloc
- The Elephant by Hilaire Belloc
- The Parrot And The Cuckoo by Oliver Herford
- The Tree Toad Rhymes Of Rainy Days by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetry.
- Allegory — The narrative conveys moral lessons through the interactions between King Solomon and the ants, symbolizing broader themes of power and responsibility.
- Fable — The story features anthropomorphized animals and conveys a moral lesson, characteristic of fables.
- Historical Fiction — The setting involves historical figures and events, blending fact with imaginative storytelling.
Tags
Fable · Poetry · Children's Literature · Moral Tale · Animal Story · Proverbial Wisdom · Aesopian Fable · Didacticism · Satire · Social Commentary · Allegory · Symbolism