The Holy Land
This poem is a tribute to the land of Palestine and its people. It describes the beauty and significance of the Holy Land, from the mountains of Lebanon to the Jordan River. The speaker reflects on the history and culture of the region, referencing biblical events and figures. The poem also touches on themes of exile, longing, and the search for a homeland.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1836 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Descriptive Poetry · 401 words
First lines
Paraphrased from the lines in Lamartine's _Adieu to Marseilles_, beginning "Je n'ai pas navigue sur l'ocean de sable. "
I have not felt, o'er seas of sand, The rocking of the desert bark; Nor laved at Hebron's fount my hand, By Hebron's palm-trees cool and dark; Nor pitched my tent at even-fall, On dust where Job of old has lain, Nor dreamed beneath its canvas wall, The dream of Jacob o'er again.
What this Textopian page supports
The Holy Land is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1836 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: 1836 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Descriptive Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Romanticism
- Length: 401 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Holy Land 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Holy Land?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Religious Poetry — The work explores themes of spirituality, pilgrimage, and the sacredness of the Holy Land, reflecting deep religious sentiments.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry, focusing on the speaker's longing and reverence.
- Descriptive Poetry — The vivid imagery and detailed descriptions of landscapes and historical sites highlight the beauty and significance of the Holy Land.
- Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story of longing and spiritual journey, incorporating elements of narrative through the speaker's experiences and reflections.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Religious Themes · Patriotism · Nationalism · Historical Fiction · Symbolism · Imagery · Figurative Language · Free Verse · Nature Imagery