Mabel Martin, a Harvest Idyl
The poem is a nostalgic and idyllic portrayal of rural life in New England during the harvest season. It describes the joys and hardships of farm work, the beauty of nature, and the simple pleasures of country living. The speaker reflects on the passing of time and the changing seasons, but finds comfort in the enduring cycle of growth and decay.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1862 · Genre: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Romance · 2,896 words
First lines
Susanna Martin, an aged woman of Amesbury, Mass., was tried and executed for the alleged crime of witchcraft. Her home was in what is now known as Pleasant Valley on the Merrimac, a little above the old Ferry way, where, tradition says, an attempt was made to assassinate Sir Edmund Andros on his way to Falmouth (afterward Portland) and Pemaquid, which was frustrated by a warning timely given. Goody Martin was the only woman hanged on the north side of the Merrimac during the dreadful delusion. The aged wife of Judge Bradbury who lived on the other side of the Powow River was imprisoned and would have been put to death but for the collapse of the hideous persecution.
What this Textopian page supports
Mabel Martin, a Harvest Idyl is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1862 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: 1862 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama, Pastoral
- Length: 2,896 words
- Structure: 1 section, 118 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Mabel Martin, a Harvest Idyl 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
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is primarily a poem, characterized by its lyrical style and structured verses.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set against a historical backdrop, exploring themes of witchcraft and societal judgment.
- Romance — The plot includes a romantic relationship that develops between the main characters, highlighting themes of love and acceptance.
- Drama — The emotional conflicts and societal pressures faced by the characters create a dramatic tension throughout the narrative.
Tags
Poetry · Nineteenth Century Literature · American Literature · New England Setting · Rural Life · Agriculture · Harvest Theme · Idyllic Tone · Nature Description · Seasonal Change · Autumn · Feminine Perspective