The Captain's Well
The poem tells the story of a captain who has been imprisoned for his role in a rebellion against the British Crown during the American Revolution. He is held captive on a ship and reflects on his life and the choices he made that led to his imprisonment. The poem explores themes of patriotism, duty, and the consequences of one's actions.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1827 · Genre: Narrative Poetry, Religious/Spiritual, Adventure · 1,075 words
First lines
The story of the shipwreck of Captain Valentine Bagley, on the coast of Arabia, and his sufferings in the desert, has been familiar from my childhood. It has been partially told in the singularly beautiful lines of my friend, Harriet Prescott Spofford, an the occasion of a public celebration at the Newburyport Library. To the charm and felicity of her verse, as far as it goes, nothing can be added; but in the following ballad I have endeavored to give a fuller detail of the touching incident upon which it is founded.
From pain and peril, by land and main, The shipwrecked sailor came back again;
What this Textopian page supports
The Captain's Well 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: Narrative Poetry, Religious/Spiritual, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Inspirational
- Length: 1,075 words
- Structure: 1 section, 49 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Captain's Well 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
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Captain's Well?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Narrative Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Narrative Poetry — The work is structured as a ballad, telling a story through verse, which is characteristic of narrative poetry.
- Religious/Spiritual — Themes of prayer, divine intervention, and gratitude towards God are central to the narrative.
- Adventure — The protagonist's journey through the desert and his shipwreck experience embody elements of adventure.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and circumstances reflect historical elements, particularly related to maritime and desert experiences.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · 19th Century · New England · Folklore · Mythology · Nautical · Maritime · Symbolism · Allegory · Morality Tale · Coming of Age