The Brother of Mercy
The poem tells the story of a young man who returns to his family's farm after serving in the Civil War. He is haunted by memories of the war and struggles to adjust to civilian life. His brother, who has remained on the farm, tries to help him heal and find peace. The poem explores themes of trauma, guilt, and redemption.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1829 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Philosophical · 919 words
First lines
Piero Luca, known of all the town As the gray porter by the Pitti wall Where the noon shadows of the gardens fall, Sick and in dolor, waited to lay down His last sad burden, and beside his mat The barefoot monk of La Certosa sat.
What this Textopian page supports
The Brother of Mercy is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1829 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: 1829 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Philosophical, Drama, Historical
- Length: 919 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing meter and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Religious — Themes of mercy, compassion, and the afterlife are central, reflecting religious beliefs and values.
- Philosophical — Explores deep questions about existence, morality, and the nature of humanity.
- Drama — The dialogue and emotional conflict between characters create a dramatic narrative.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Free Verse · Social Justice · Slavery · Abolitionism · Christianity · Moral Fiction · Historical Fiction · New England · Regionalism