The Panorama
The poem describes a panoramic view of the world from a mountaintop, where the speaker sees the beauty and ugliness of human existence. It is a commentary on the duality of life, with its contradictions and paradoxes. The poem explores themes of nature, morality, and the human condition.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1856 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, Historical · 4,793 words
First lines
"A! fredome is a nobill thing! Fredome mayse man to haif liking. Fredome all solace to man giffis; He levys at ese that frely levys A nobil hart may haif nane ese Na ellvs nocht that may him plese Gyff Fredome failythe. " ARCHDEACON BARBOUR.
What this Textopian page supports
The Panorama is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1856 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: 1856 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Social Commentary, Historical, Political, Narrative
- Length: 4,793 words
- Structure: 1 section, 32 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Panorama 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 Panorama?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Elliott by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Homestead by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Miriam by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Derne by John Greenleaf Whittier
- A Summons by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Summons by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is primarily a poem, characterized by its use of verse, meter, and rhyme.
- Social Commentary — It addresses social issues, particularly slavery and freedom, reflecting on moral and ethical dilemmas.
- Historical — The poem engages with historical themes, particularly the context of American society in the 19th century.
- Political — It critiques political attitudes and actions regarding slavery and freedom, making it relevant to political discourse.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Mortality · Grief · Loss · Memory · Nostalgia · Romanticism · Symbolism · Imagery