The Wishing Bridge
The poem tells the story of a young woman who lives near a bridge where people make wishes. She makes a wish to be reunited with her lover, but it is not granted. The poem explores themes of love, loss, and the power of human desire.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1828 · Genre: Poetry, Fantasy, Literary Fiction · 376 words
First lines
AMONG the legends sung or said Along our rocky shore, The Wishing Bridge of Marblehead May well be sung once more.
An hundred years ago (so ran The old-time story) all Good wishes said above its span Would, soon or late, befall.
What this Textopian page supports
The Wishing Bridge 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, Fantasy, Literary Fiction, Romance, Coming-of-Age
- Length: 376 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Wishing Bridge 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
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Fantasy — The concept of a wishing bridge that grants wishes introduces a fantastical element.
- Literary Fiction — The themes of reflection on life choices and the passage of time align with literary fiction.
- Romance — The exploration of personal relationships and emotional connections suggests romantic elements.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Romance · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Allegory · Folklore · Mythology · Dreams