The Frost Spirit
The poem tells the story of a young woman who dies and returns to life after being frozen in the snow for several years. She is met with suspicion and hostility by her community due to her prolonged absence, but ultimately finds acceptance and love from one person. The poem explores themes of isolation, loneliness, and the power of human connection.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1850 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Romanticism · 318 words
First lines
He comes, -- he comes, -- the Frost Spirit comes You may trace his footsteps now On the naked woods and the blasted fields and the brown hill's withered brow. He has smitten the leaves of the gray old trees where their pleasant green came forth, And the winds, which follow wherever he goes, have shaken them down to earth.
He comes, -- he comes, -- the Frost Spirit comes! from the frozen Labrador, From the icy bridge of the Northern seas, which the white bear wanders o'er, Where the fisherman's sail is stiff with ice, and the luckless forms below In the sunless cold of the lingering night into marble statues grow
What this Textopian page supports
The Frost Spirit is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1850 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: 1850 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature, Romanticism, Fantasy, Seasonal
- Length: 318 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Frost Spirit by John Greenleaf Whittier
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetry.
- Nature — The themes revolve around natural elements and the personification of winter, emphasizing the beauty and harshness of nature.
- Romanticism — The work reflects Romantic ideals, focusing on emotion, nature, and the sublime.
- Fantasy — The personification of the Frost Spirit introduces fantastical elements to the narrative.
Tags
Poetry · Narrative Poem · Folklore · Mythology · Winter · Nature · Spirituality · Mystery · Fantasy · Romance · Tragedy · Love