Pennsylvania Hall
The poem describes the destruction of Pennsylvania Hall, a meeting place for abolitionists and reformers, by a mob in Philadelphia in 1838. The speaker reflects on the event as a symbol of the struggle between freedom and oppression.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1828 · Genre: Poetry, Political Literature, Historical Literature · 1,497 words
First lines
Read at the dedication of Pennsylvania Hall, Philadelphia, May 15, 1838. The building was erected by an association of gentlemen, irrespective of sect or party, "that the citizens of Philadelphia should possess a room wherein the principles of Liberty, and Equality of Civil Rights, could be freely discussed, and the evils of slavery fearlessly portrayed. " On the evening of the 17th it was burned by a mob, destroying the office of the Pennsylvania Freeman, of which I was editor, and with it my books and papers.
What this Textopian page supports
Pennsylvania Hall 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: Poetry, Political Literature, Historical Literature, Social Commentary, Inspirational Literature
- Length: 1,497 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Pennsylvania Hall 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 Pennsylvania Hall?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Political Literature — It addresses themes of liberty, equality, and civil rights, reflecting on social justice issues.
- Historical Literature — It references historical figures and events, situating its themes within a broader historical context.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal norms and injustices, particularly regarding slavery and oppression.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Social Commentary · Abolitionist Text · 19th Century Writing · Free Verse · Historical Context · Racial Tensions · Slavery · Freedom · Equality · Liberation