Sunset on the Bearcamp
The poem describes a serene and peaceful scene of a sunset on the Bearcamp River in New Hampshire. The speaker reflects on the beauty of nature and the passing of time, using imagery and symbolism to convey a sense of melancholy and nostalgia. The poem explores themes of mortality, impermanence, and the fleeting nature of life.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1858 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romanticism · 530 words
First lines
A gold fringe on the purpling hem Of hills the river runs, As down its long, green valley falls The last of summer's suns.
Along its tawny gravel-bed Broad-flowing, swift, and still, As if its meadow levels felt The hurry of the hill, Noiseless between its banks of green From curve to curve it slips; The drowsy maple-shadows rest Like fingers on its lips.
What this Textopian page supports
Sunset on the Bearcamp is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1858 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: 1858 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical Poetry, Elegiac Poetry
- Length: 530 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Sunset on the Bearcamp by John Greenleaf Whittier
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and reflections on nature, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Nature Poetry — The vivid descriptions of landscapes and natural elements highlight the beauty and tranquility of the environment.
- Romanticism — Themes of beauty, emotion, and the sublime in nature align with Romantic ideals.
- Philosophical Poetry — The exploration of existence, eternity, and the divine suggests philosophical undertones.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Romance · New England · 19th Century · American Literature · Free Verse · Symbolism · Imagery · Sunset · Bearcamp River · Regionalism