Sumner by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem is a tribute to the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad. It tells the story of a fugitive slave named Sumner who escapes from his owner in the South and makes his way to freedom in the North with the help of sympathetic individuals along the way. The poem highlights the bravery and resilience of those who risked their lives to aid escaped slaves, as well as the cruelty and injustice of slavery itself.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1835 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Political · 1,667 words
First lines
"I am not one who has disgraced beauty of sentiment by deformity of conduct, or the maxims of a freeman by the actions of a slave; but, by the grace of God, I have kept my life unsullied. " MILTON'S _Defence of the People of England_.
O Mother State! the winds of March Blew chill o'er Auburn's Field of God, Where, slow, beneath a leaden arch Of sky, thy mourning children trod.
What this Textopian page supports
Sumner is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1835 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: 1835 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, Political, Biographical, Social Commentary
- Length: 1,667 words
- Structure: 1 section, 54 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing meter and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Historical — The themes revolve around historical figures and events, particularly related to social justice and abolition.
- Political — The content addresses political themes, including duty, justice, and the moral responsibilities of leadership.
- Biographical — The poem reflects on the life and contributions of a specific individual, presenting biographical elements.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · 19th Century · Free Verse · Nature Poetry · Social Commentary · Abolitionist · Slavery · Racism · Civil War Era · New England · Regionalism