Ritner by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem is a tribute to the abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison's friend and fellow activist, George Ripley's brother-in-law, who was imprisoned for his involvement in the Underground Railroad. It describes the hardships faced by those fighting against slavery and the importance of their work. The speaker praises the courage and conviction of these individuals, comparing them to heroes from ancient times.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1838 · Genre: Poetry, Political Commentary, Social Critique · 824 words
First lines
Written on reading the Message of Governor Ritner, of Pennsylvania, 1836. The fact redounds to the credit and serves to perpetuate the memory of the independent farmer and high-souled statesman, that he alone of all the Governors of the Union in 1836 met the insulting demands and menaces of the South in a manner becoming a freeman and hater of Slavery, in his message to the Legislature of Pennsylvania.
What this Textopian page supports
Ritner is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1838 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: 1838 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Political Commentary, Social Critique, Historical, Advocacy
- Length: 824 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Political Commentary — The content addresses political themes, particularly regarding slavery and freedom.
- Social Critique — The text critiques societal norms and injustices related to slavery and governance.
- Historical — The work references historical figures and events, situating its themes within a specific historical context.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · 19th Century · New England · Autobiographical Elements · Historical Fiction · Biographical Sketches · Patriotism · Nationalism · Social Commentary · Morality Tales · Folklore Influences