Storm on Lake Asquam
The poem describes a storm on Lake Asquam, with the speaker reflecting on the turmoil of nature and its relation to human life. The storm serves as a metaphor for the turmoil and upheaval that can occur in one's personal life. The speaker notes the power of nature and how it can be both beautiful and destructive.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1842 · Genre: Nature Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric Poetry · 212 words
First lines
A cloud, like that the old-time Hebrew saw On Carmel prophesying rain, began To lift itself o'er wooded Cardigan, Growing and blackening. Suddenly, a flaw
Of chill wind menaced; then a strong blast beat Down the long valley's murmuring pines, and woke The noon-dream of the sleeping lake, and broke Its smooth steel mirror at the mountains' feet.
Thunderous and vast, a fire-veined darkness swept Over the rough pine-bearded Asquam range; A wraith of tempest, wonderful and strange, From peak to peak the cloudy giant stepped.
One moment, as if challenging the storm, Chocorua's tall, defiant sentinel Looked from his watch-tower; then the shadow fell, And the wild rain-drift blotted out his form.
What this Textopian page supports
Storm on Lake Asquam is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1842 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: 1842 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Nature Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric Poetry, Descriptive Poetry, Symbolism
- Length: 212 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Storm on Lake Asquam by John Greenleaf Whittier
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Storm on Lake Asquam?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Nature Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Nature Poetry — The vivid descriptions of the storm and natural landscape highlight the beauty and power of nature.
- Romanticism — The emphasis on emotion, nature, and the sublime reflects key themes of the Romantic movement.
- Lyric Poetry — The personal and emotional tone of the poem aligns with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
- Descriptive Poetry — The detailed imagery and focus on visual elements exemplify descriptive poetic techniques.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Lake · Storm · Symbolism · Imagery · Figurative Language · Metaphor · Simile · Personification