Telling the Bees
The poem tells the story of a dying woman who warns her children to tell the bees about her passing, so they can be informed and take care of themselves after she's gone. The bees are seen as a symbol of community and industry, and the woman's concern for their well-being reflects her own sense of responsibility towards them.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1838 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism · 547 words
First lines
A remarkable custom, brought from the Old Country, formerly prevailed in the rural districts of New England. On the death of a member of the family, the bees were at once informed of the event, and their hives dressed in mourning. This ceremonial was supposed to be necessary to prevent the swarms from leaving their hives and seeking a new home.
HERE is the place; right over the hill Runs the path I took; You can see the gap in the old wall still, And the stepping-stones in the shallow brook.
What this Textopian page supports
Telling the Bees is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1838 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism, Narrative, Elegy
- Length: 547 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetry.
- Lyric — It expresses personal emotions and reflections, particularly on love and loss.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, emotion, and nostalgia align with Romantic ideals.
- Narrative — It tells a story through vivid imagery and personal recollection.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Folklore · Rural Life · Tradition · Culture · Anthology · American Literature · 19th Century · Symbolism · Imagery · Language