The Sisters
The poem tells the story of two sisters who are reunited after a long separation. The elder sister has been away from home for many years and returns to find that her younger sister has grown up and become engaged to be married. The elder sister feels left out and jealous, but ultimately comes to accept her sister's new life and finds happiness in their reunion.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1828 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Gothic · 604 words
First lines
ANNIE and Rhoda, sisters twain, Woke in the night to the sound of rain,
The rush of wind, the ramp and roar Of great waves climbing a rocky shore.
What this Textopian page supports
The Sisters is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1828 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: 1828 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Gothic, Narrative, Tragedy
- Length: 604 words
- Structure: 1 section, 31 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for The Sisters by John Greenleaf Whittier
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetic form.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, longing, and emotional depth reflect the ideals of Romantic literature.
- Gothic — The stormy setting and themes of death and despair contribute to a Gothic atmosphere.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story through the dialogue and actions of the characters.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Free Verse · Nature Poetry · Sisterly Love · Family Dynamics · Domestic Life · Rural Setting · New England · Regionalism · Social Commentary