The Sisters. a Picture by Barry
The poem describes two sisters who are reunited after being separated for many years. One sister has been living a life of luxury and indulgence, while the other has been struggling to make ends meet. The reunion highlights their vastly different lives and the choices they have made.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1842 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism · 168 words
First lines
The shade for me, but over thee The lingering sunshine still; As, smiling, to the silent stream Comes down the singing rill.
So come to me, my little one, -- My years with thee I share, And mingle with a sister's love A mother's tender care.
But keep the smile upon thy lip, The trust upon thy brow; Since for the dear one God hath called We have an angel now.
Our mother from the fields of heaven Shall still her ear incline; Nor need we fear her human love Is less for love divine.
What this Textopian page supports
The Sisters. a Picture by Barry is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1842 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: 1842 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism, Religious, Sentimental
- Length: 168 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Sisters. a Picture by Barry 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 Sisters. a Picture by Barry?
- How does this short story by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Sister Joness Confession by James Whitcomb Riley
- My Boy by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- The Lost Thrill by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Mayflowers by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Sisters by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Memory Of Burns by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and feelings, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, emotion, and familial love align with Romantic ideals.
- Religious — The poem contains spiritual themes and references to divine love and afterlife.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Family Dynamics · Sisterly Love · Nostalgia · Childhood Memories · Coming of Age · Social Commentary · Morality Tale · Folklore · Regionalism