The Answer by John Greenleaf Whittier
This poem explores the theme of mortality and the afterlife through a conversation between two souls who have died. The speaker describes the moment of death as a transition from life to eternity, where the soul is freed from the constraints of the physical world. The poem suggests that death is not an end, but rather a new beginning, where the soul can finally be at peace and reunited with loved ones who have passed on.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1827 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Philosophical · 506 words
First lines
Spare me, dread angel of reproof, And let the sunshine weave to-day Its gold-threads in the warp and woof Of life so poor and gray.
Spare me awhile; the flesh is weak. These lingering feet, that fain would stray Among the flowers, shall some day seek The strait and narrow way.
What this Textopian page supports
The Answer is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1827 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Philosophical, Inspirational, Romanticism
- Length: 506 words
- Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Answer by John Greenleaf Whittier
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing meter and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Religious — The themes explore faith, divine judgment, and the relationship between humanity and God.
- Philosophical — The text delves into existential questions about choice, free will, and the nature of sin.
- Inspirational — The work aims to inspire reflection on personal responsibility and the pursuit of a virtuous life.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Free Verse · Nature Poetry · Spirituality · Mortality · Existentialism · Philosophy · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor