Tauler by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem explores the theme of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. It describes a person's final moments on earth, surrounded by loved ones who are powerless to stop their impending death. The speaker reflects on the transience of human existence and the inevitability of fate.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1827 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Narrative Poetry · 816 words
First lines
TAULER, the preacher, walked, one autumn day, Without the walls of Strasburg, by the Rhine, Pondering the solemn Miracle of Life; As one who, wandering in a starless night, Feels momently the jar of unseen waves, And hears the thunder of an unknown sea, Breaking along an unimagined shore.
And as he walked he prayed. Even the same Old prayer with which, for half a score of years, Morning, and noon, and evening, lip and heart Had groaned: "Have pity upon me, Lord! Thou seest, while teaching others, I am blind. Send me a man who can direct my steps!"
What this Textopian page supports
Tauler is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1827 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: 1827 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Inspirational Poetry
- Length: 816 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Tauler by John Greenleaf Whittier
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Religious Poetry — The work explores themes of faith, divine providence, and spiritual enlightenment, characteristic of religious poetry.
- Philosophical Poetry — It delves into existential questions about life, suffering, and the nature of happiness, aligning with philosophical inquiry.
- Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story through its characters and dialogue, fitting the narrative structure of poetry.
- Lyric Poetry — The personal reflections and emotional depth of the speaker align with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
Tags
Poetry · Religious · Meditative · Spiritual · Philosophical · Existential · Christianity · Faith · Doubt · Soul · Conscience · Morality