The Seeking of the Waterfall
The poem tells the story of a young man's journey to find a waterfall, symbolizing his search for spiritual enlightenment and connection with nature. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles and temptations that test his resolve and character. Ultimately, he reaches the waterfall, but finds it has been transformed by human activity, representing the corrupting influence of civilization on the natural world.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1856 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Philosophical Poetry · 873 words
First lines
They left their home of summer ease Beneath the lowland's sheltering trees, To seek, by ways unknown to all, The promise of the waterfall.
Some vague, faint rumor to the vale Had crept -- perchance a hunter's tale -- Of its wild mirth of waters lost On the dark woods through which it tossed.
What this Textopian page supports
The Seeking of the Waterfall 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: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Allegorical Poetry
- Length: 873 words
- Structure: 1 section, 29 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work employs a musical quality and emotional expression typical of lyric poetry, focusing on personal feelings and reflections.
- Nature Poetry — The vivid descriptions of natural landscapes and elements highlight the beauty and significance of nature.
- Philosophical Poetry — The poem explores deeper themes of aspiration, the nature of seeking, and the value of the journey over the destination.
- Romantic Poetry — The emphasis on emotion, nature, and the idealization of the quest aligns with characteristics of Romantic poetry.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Romance · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Allegory · Mythology · Folklore · Spirituality · Mystery · Quest