The Two Angels
This poem tells the story of two angels who are sent to earth to guide a young couple through a difficult time. The couple's child has died and they are struggling with grief. The angels appear to them in various forms, guiding them towards acceptance and peace.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1827 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Allegorical Poetry · 299 words
First lines
God called the nearest angels who dwell with Him above: The tenderest one was Pity, the dearest one was Love.
"Arise," He said, "my angels! a wail of woe and sin Steals through the gates of heaven, and saddens all within.
"My harps take up the mournful strain that from a lost world swells, The smoke of torment clouds the light and blights the asphodels.
"Fly downward to that under world, and on its souls of pain Let Love drop smiles like sunshine, and Pity tears like rain!"
What this Textopian page supports
The Two Angels 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: Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Allegorical Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Inspirational Poetry
- Length: 299 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Two Angels by John Greenleaf Whittier
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Religious Poetry — The poem explores themes of divine intervention, redemption, and the nature of love and pity, which are central to religious and spiritual discourse.
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses deep emotions and personal reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry, focusing on the feelings of the angels and their mission.
- Allegorical Poetry — The narrative serves as an allegory for the struggle between good and evil, illustrating moral lessons through the actions of the angels.
- Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story involving characters (the angels) and a plot that conveys a moral message, fitting the narrative poetry genre.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Free Verse · Nature Poetry · Spirituality · Mortality · Loss · Grief · Angels · Faith · Hope