The Library
The poem describes a library where the speaker reflects on the past and present. It's a place of nostalgia and contemplation, where memories are stored and emotions are stirred. The speaker recalls loved ones who have passed away, and their presence is felt in the library's silence. The poem explores themes of mortality, memory, and the passage of time.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1827 · Genre: Poetry, Literary, Inspirational · 277 words
First lines
Sung at the opening of the Haverhill Library, November 11, 1875.
"Let there be light! " God spake of old, And over chaos dark and cold, And through the dead and formless frame Of nature, life and order came.
Faint was the light at first that shone On giant fern and mastodon, On half-formed plant and beast of prey, And man as rude and wild as they.
Age after age, like waves, o'erran The earth, uplifting brute and man; And mind, at length, in symbols dark Its meanings traced on stone and bark.
What this Textopian page supports
The Library 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: Poetry, Literary, Inspirational, Historical, Philosophical
- Length: 277 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Library 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 Library?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetry.
- Literary — It explores themes of knowledge, history, and the power of literature, characteristic of literary works.
- Inspirational — The poem conveys a message of enlightenment and the revival of thought, inspiring readers to appreciate literature.
- Historical — It references historical figures and eras, reflecting on the evolution of human thought and writing.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · 19th Century · New England · Autobiographical Elements · Family Life · Social Commentary · Morality Tales · Folklore Influences · Symbolism · Imagery Rich · Nature Descriptions