Saint Gregory's Guest
The poem tells the story of a pilgrim who seeks spiritual guidance from Saint Gregory. The pilgrim is met with silence and indifference by the saint, leading to feelings of disappointment and disillusionment. However, upon reflection, the pilgrim comes to realize that true wisdom lies not in external validation but in inner contemplation and self-reflection.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1847 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Allegorical Poetry · 423 words
First lines
A TALE for Roman guides to tell To careless, sight-worn travellers still, Who pause beside the narrow cell Of Gregory on the Caelian Hill.
One day before the monk's door came A beggar, stretching empty palms, Fainting and fast-sick, in the name Of the Most Holy asking alms.
What this Textopian page supports
Saint Gregory's Guest is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1847 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: 1847 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Allegorical Poetry, Historical Poetry, Moral Poetry
- Length: 423 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Religious Poetry — The poem explores themes of charity, divine presence, and the spiritual significance of good deeds.
- Narrative Poetry — It tells a story about Saint Gregory and a beggar, illustrating a moral lesson through a narrative structure.
- Allegorical Poetry — The poem serves as an allegory for the importance of compassion and the unseen presence of the divine in acts of kindness.
- Historical Poetry — It references historical and religious figures, grounding the narrative in a specific cultural and historical context.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Religious Themes · Christianity · Meditative · Reflective · Nature Imagery · Symbolism · Allegory · Spirituality · Faith