The Red Riper Voyageur
This poem is a narrative of a voyageur's journey down the Mississippi River during the early 19th century. The speaker describes the river's beauty and power, as well as the challenges faced by the voyageurs who travel on it. The poem explores themes of nature, industry, and the human condition.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1850 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Narrative · 267 words
First lines
OUT and in the river is winding The links of its long, red chain, Through belts of dusky pine-land And gusty leagues of plain.
Only, at times, a smoke-wreath With the drifting cloud-rack joins, -- The smoke of the hunting-lodges Of the wild Assiniboins.
Drearily blows the north-wind From the land of ice and snow; The eyes that look are weary, And heavy the hands that row.
And with one foot on the water, And one upon the shore, The Angel of Shadow gives warning That day shall be no more.
What this Textopian page supports
The Red Riper Voyageur is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1850 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: 1850 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Narrative, Spiritual, Historical
- Length: 267 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, emotion, and the human experience reflect the characteristics of Romantic literature.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story through its imagery and characters, particularly the voyageur.
- Spiritual — The poem explores themes of mortality, peace, and the afterlife, indicating a spiritual dimension.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · 19th Century · Nature · Travel · Adventure · Exploration · Romance · Nautical · Maritime · Historical Fiction · Fictionalized Biography