The Lighting Up
This poem is a meditation on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. It describes how even the brightest lights will eventually fade and die out. The speaker reflects on the transience of human existence, comparing it to the brief flicker of a candle flame. The poem's tone is melancholic and contemplative, inviting the reader to consider their own mortality.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1838 · Genre: Social Commentary, Historical Non-Fiction, Literary Essay · 1,527 words
First lines
"He spak to the spynnsters to spynnen it oute. " PIERS PLOUGHMAN.
THIS evening, the 20th of the ninth month, is the time fixed upon for lighting the mills for night-labor; and I have just returned from witnessing for the first time the effect of the new illumination.
What this Textopian page supports
The Lighting Up is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1838 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: 1838 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Social Commentary, Historical Non-Fiction, Literary Essay, Feminist Literature, Narrative Non-Fiction
- Length: 1,527 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Lighting Up 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 Lighting Up?
- How does this short story by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Social Commentary first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Social Commentary — The text critiques the working conditions and social dynamics of factory life, particularly focusing on the experiences of women in the workforce.
- Historical Non-Fiction — It provides a historical perspective on the labor practices and societal norms of the time, particularly in the context of the industrial revolution.
- Literary Essay — The writing style is reflective and analytical, characteristic of essays that explore themes of labor, gender, and social justice.
- Feminist Literature — The work highlights women's roles and struggles in the workforce, advocating for their recognition and equality.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · 19th Century · Nature Poetry · Romanticism · Symbolism · Imagery Rich · Emotional Depth · Moral Themes · Social Commentary · Historical Context · New England Setting