The Prisoner for Debt
This poem explores the theme of debt and its consequences on individuals and society. It describes a prisoner who has been imprisoned for debt and reflects on the harsh realities of poverty and financial struggles. The speaker highlights the injustices of the system, where people are forced to suffer due to circumstances beyond their control.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1840 · Genre: Social Critique, Poetry, Historical · 651 words
First lines
Before the law authorizing imprisonment for debt had been abolished in Massachusetts, a revolutionary pensioner was confined in Charlestown jail for a debt of fourteen dollars, and on the fourth of July was seen waving a handkerchief from the bars of his cell in honor of the day.
What this Textopian page supports
The Prisoner for Debt is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1840 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: 1840 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Social Critique, Poetry, Historical, Political, Tragedy
- Length: 651 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Prisoner for Debt by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Prisoner for Debt?
- How does this short story by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Social Critique first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Social Critique — The work addresses the injustices of imprisonment for debt, highlighting societal issues and moral questions surrounding poverty and punishment.
- Poetry — The text is written in verse, employing poetic devices such as imagery, meter, and rhyme to convey its themes.
- Historical — The poem reflects historical context regarding laws and societal attitudes towards debtors in the 19th century.
- Political — It critiques the legal system and advocates for reform, emphasizing the need for justice and compassion.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Social Justice · Debtors' Prisons · Slavery · Abolitionism · Free Labor · Economic Inequality · Class Struggle · Prison Reform · Human Rights