The Two Loves by John Greenleaf Whittier
This poem explores the idea of two loves: one for a person and another for nature. The speaker describes their love for a woman, but also expresses a deep connection to the natural world. They see parallels between the beauty of nature and the beauty of the woman they love. The poem is a meditation on the interconnectedness of human experience and the natural world.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1860 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical · 208 words
First lines
Smoothing soft the nestling head Of a maiden fancy-led, Thus a grave-eyed woman said:
"Richest gifts are those we make, Dearer than the love we take That we give for love's own sake.
"Well I know the heart's unrest; Mine has been the common quest, To be loved and therefore blest.
"Favors undeserved were mine; At my feet as on a shrine Love has laid its gifts divine.
What this Textopian page supports
The Two Loves is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1860 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: 1860 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical, Lyric, Religious
- Length: 208 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Two Loves by John Greenleaf Whittier
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, sacrifice, and emotional depth align with the characteristics of Romantic literature.
- Philosophical — Explores deeper meanings of love, giving, and selflessness, prompting reflection on human experience.
- Lyric — Expresses personal emotions and thoughts, focusing on the speaker's feelings about love.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Nature · Symbolism · Metaphor · Imagery · Emotional · Introspective · Philosophical · Existential · Spiritual