The Reward
The poem describes a scene where a young woman, who has been wronged by her lover, is visited by him after his death. He appears to her in a dream and offers her a reward for her loyalty and devotion. The speaker of the poem reflects on the nature of love and the consequences of betrayal.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1827 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 277 words
First lines
Who, looking backward from his manhood's prime, Sees not the spectre of his misspent time? And, through the shade Of funeral cypress planted thick behind, Hears no reproachful whisper on the wind From his loved dead?
Who bears no trace of passion's evil force? Who shuns thy sting, O terrible Remorse? Who does not cast On the thronged pages of his memory's book, At times, a sad and half-reluctant look, Regretful of the past?
Alas! the evil which we fain would shun We do, and leave the wished-for good undone Our strength to-day Is but to-morrow's weakness, prone to fall; Poor, blind, unprofitable servants all Are we alway.
What this Textopian page supports
The Reward 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, Philosophical, Inspirational, Reflective, Religious
- Length: 277 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter to convey emotions and themes.
- Philosophical — It explores deep themes of regret, morality, and the human condition, prompting reflection on life choices.
- Inspirational — The text encourages altruism and the importance of helping others, promoting a positive moral message.
- Reflective — It invites readers to contemplate their past actions and the impact of those actions on their lives and others.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Free Verse · Nature Poetry · Moralism · Reward and Punishment · Fate vs Free Will · Philosophical Themes · Existentialism · Spirituality · Hope