The Great Ipswich Fright
This narrative poem tells the story of a group of people who are terrorized by a mysterious figure in Ipswich, Massachusetts. The poem explores themes of fear, superstition, and the power of imagination to create monsters. It is written in a style that blends elements of folk balladry with more formal poetic structures.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1828 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Comedy, Tragedy · 2,563 words
First lines
"The Frere into the dark gazed forth; The sounds went onward towards the north The murmur of tongues, the tramp and tread Of a mighty army to battle led. " BALLAD OF THE CID.
What this Textopian page supports
The Great Ipswich Fright is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1828 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: 1828 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Comedy, Tragedy, Literary Nonfiction, Adventure
- Length: 2,563 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Great Ipswich Fright 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 Great Ipswich Fright?
- How does this short story by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set during the American Revolution, intertwining real historical events with fictional elements.
- Comedy — The text incorporates humorous situations and absurdities amidst the serious backdrop of war, highlighting the ludicrous aspects of human behavior.
- Tragedy — The story reflects the fear and chaos experienced by the townspeople, showcasing the tragic consequences of panic and misunderstanding.
- Literary Nonfiction — The work blends factual historical context with narrative storytelling, providing insights into the societal dynamics of the time.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · 19th Century · Folklore · Mythology · Supernatural Fiction · Horror · Dark Fantasy · Regionalism · New England · Historical Fiction · Short Story