Robert Dinsmore
The poem tells the story of a young man who returns to his rural home after years away and finds that he has been forgotten by those he once knew. He reflects on the transience of human relationships and the inevitability of decline and death. The speaker's tone is melancholic and introspective, lamenting the loss of youth and vitality.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1838 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Criticism, Historical Fiction · 5,110 words
First lines
The great charm of Scottish poetry consists in its simplicity, and genuine, unaffected sympathy with the common joys and sorrows of daily life. It is a home-taught, household melody. It calls to mind the pastoral bleat on the hillsides, the kirkbells of a summer Sabbath, the song of the lark in the sunrise, the cry of the quail in the corn-land, the low of cattle, and the blithe carol of milkmaids "when the kye come hame" at gloaming. Meetings at fair and market, blushing betrothments, merry weddings, the joy of young maternity, the lights and shades of domestic life, its bereavements and partings, its chances and changes, its holy death-beds, and funerals solemnly beautiful in quiet kirkyards, -- these furnish the hints of the immortal melodies of Burns, the sweet ballads of the Ettrick Shepherd and Allan Cunningham, and the rustic drama of Ramsay. It is the poetry of home, of nature, and the affections.
What this Textopian page supports
Robert Dinsmore is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1838 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Criticism, Historical Fiction, Biography, Regional Literature
- Length: 5,110 words
- Structure: 1 section, 56 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work primarily consists of poetic expressions reflecting on life, nature, and human emotions.
- Literary Criticism — It critiques the state of American poetry and literature, contrasting it with Scottish traditions.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative includes historical references and settings related to early American settlers and their experiences.
- Biography — It provides a biographical account of Robert Dinsmore, detailing his life and contributions.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · 19th Century · New England · Autobiographical Elements · Coming of Age · Social Commentary · Morality Tale · Folklore Influence · Symbolism · Nature Imagery · Emotional Depth