The Human Sacrifice
This poem explores the theme of human sacrifice and its consequences. It describes a scene where a young woman is about to be sacrificed by her lover, who has been driven mad by love. The speaker reflects on the destructive power of passion and the devastating effects it can have on individuals and society.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1827 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, Religious · 1,518 words
First lines
Some leading sectarian papers had lately published the letter of a clergyman, giving an account of his attendance upon a criminal (who had committed murder during a fit of intoxication), at the time of his execution, in western New York. The writer describes the agony of the wretched being, his abortive attempts at prayer, his appeal for life, his fear of a violent death; and, after declaring his belief that the poor victim died without hope of salvation, concludes with a warm eulogy upon the gallows, being more than ever convinced of its utility by the awful dread and horror which it inspired.
What this Textopian page supports
The Human Sacrifice is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1827 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Social Commentary, Religious, Tragedy, Philosophical
- Length: 1,518 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Human Sacrifice 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 Human Sacrifice?
- How does this short story by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Fanaticism by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Ego by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Men Of Old by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Preaching Vs Practice by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Sick King In Bukhara by Matthew Arnold
- Adjustment by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Social Commentary — It critiques societal norms and the justice system, particularly the morality of capital punishment.
- Religious — Themes of faith, redemption, and the moral implications of violence are central to the text.
- Tragedy — The narrative explores themes of suffering, despair, and the tragic fate of the condemned.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Human Nature · Morality · Religion · Sacrifice · Conformity · Individualism · Free Will