Pictures by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and the passing of time. It describes a scene where an old man looks at pictures from his past, evoking memories of love, loss, and longing. The speaker reflects on how life has changed and how people have moved on, leaving behind only memories. The poem is a meditation on the fleeting nature of human experience and the power of memory to transcend time.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1858 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Religious/Spiritual · 416 words
First lines
I. Light, warmth, and sprouting greenness, and o'er all Blue, stainless, steel-bright ether, raining down Tranquillity upon the deep-hushed town, The freshening meadows, and the hillsides brown; Voice of the west-wind from the hills of pine, And the brimmed river from its distant fall, Low hum of bees, and joyous interlude Of bird-songs in the streamlet-skirting wood, -- Heralds and prophecies of sound and sight, Blessed forerunners of the warmth and light, Attendant angels to the house of prayer, With reverent footsteps keeping pace with mine, -- Once more, through God's great love, with you I share A morn of resurrection sweet and fair As that which saw, of old, in Palestine, Immortal Love uprising in fresh bloom From the dark night and winter of the tomb! 2d, 5th mo., 1852.
What this Textopian page supports
Pictures is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1858 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: 1858 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Religious/Spiritual, Romanticism, Lyric
- Length: 416 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is composed in verse, utilizing meter and rhyme, characteristic of poetic form.
- Nature Writing — The vivid descriptions of landscapes, seasons, and natural elements reflect a deep appreciation for nature.
- Religious/Spiritual — Themes of resurrection, divine love, and spiritual reflection are central to the text.
- Romanticism — The emphasis on emotion, nature, and individual experience aligns with Romantic literary ideals.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Poetry · Romanticism · Symbolism · Imagery · Figurative Language · Metaphor · Simile · Personification · Alliteration