Taking Comfort
The poem explores the theme of mortality and the comfort found in nature after death. It describes a scene where a bereaved mother finds solace in the beauty of nature, specifically a tree that has been transformed by winter into a symbol of life's cycle. The poem suggests that even in death, there is a sense of continuity with the natural world.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1838 · Genre: Essay, Nature Writing, Social Commentary · 1,107 words
First lines
For the last few days the fine weather has lured me away from books and papers and the close air of dwellings into the open fields, and under the soft, warm sunshine, and the softer light of a full moon. The loveliest season of the whole year -- that transient but delightful interval between the storms of the "wild equinox, with all their wet," and the dark, short, dismal days which precede the rigor of winter -- is now with us. The sun rises through a soft and hazy atmosphere; the light mist-clouds melt gradually away before him; and his noontide light rests warm and clear on still woods, tranquil waters, and grasses green with the late autumnal rains. The rough-wooded slopes of Dracut, overlooking the falls of the river; Fort Hill, across the Concord, where the red man made his last stand, and where may still be seen the trench which he dug around his rude fortress; the beautiful woodlands on the Lowell and Tewksbury shores of the Concord; the cemetery; the Patucket Falls, -- all within the reach of a moderate walk, -- offer at this season their latest and loveliest attractions.
What this Textopian page supports
Taking Comfort 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: Essay, Nature Writing, Social Commentary, Philosophical, Literary Nonfiction
- Length: 1,107 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Taking Comfort by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Essay — The work presents reflective thoughts and observations on nature and human condition, characteristic of essay writing.
- Nature Writing — The vivid descriptions of the natural landscape and its beauty are central to the text.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques social issues, particularly the effects of alcoholism and the temperance movement.
- Philosophical — It explores deeper philosophical themes regarding nature, humanity, and morality.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Poetry · Mourning · Loss · Grief · Comfort · Solace · Hope · Faith · Spirituality