The Swan Song of Parson Avery
This poem is a lamentation of the passing of time and the decline of traditional values. It tells the story of an old parson who reflects on his life and the changes he has witnessed in society. He mourns the loss of innocence, the rise of materialism, and the decay of moral standards. The poem is written in a nostalgic tone, with a focus on the contrast between past and present.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1853 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Narrative · 745 words
First lines
In Young's Chronicles of Massachusetts Bay front 1623 to 1636 may be found Anthony Thacher's Narrative of his Shipwreck. Thacher was Avery's companion and survived to tell the tale. Mather's Magnalia, III. 2, gives further Particulars of Parson Avery's End, and suggests the title of the poem.
WHEN the reaper's task was ended, and the summer wearing late, Parson Avery sailed from Newbury, with his wife and children eight, Dropping down the river-harbor in the shallop "Watch and Wait."
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The Swan Song of Parson Avery is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1853 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: 1853 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Narrative, Historical, Tragedy
- Length: 745 words
- Structure: 1 section, 18 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing meter and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Religious — The themes revolve around faith, duty, and the afterlife, reflecting deep religious sentiments.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story of Parson Avery's journey and ultimate fate, fitting the narrative genre.
- Historical — It references historical events and figures, grounding the narrative in a specific historical context.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · 19th Century · New England · Autobiographical · Historical Fiction · Religious Themes · Moral Allegory · Coming of Age · Social Commentary · Rural Life · Family Dynamics