To Lydia Maria Child, on Reading her Poem in "th
The poem is a critique of Lydia Maria Child's work being published in a conservative newspaper. The speaker argues that her radical views are out of place in the Standard and that she should be writing for more progressive publications. The tone is one of disapproval and disappointment.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1843 · Genre: Poetry, Elegy, Lyric · 390 words
First lines
Mrs. Child wrote her lines, beginning, "Again the trees are clothed in vernal green," May 24, 1859, on the first anniversary of Ellis Gray Loring's death, but did not publish them for some years afterward, when I first read them, or I could not have made the reference which I did to the extinction of slavery.
The sweet spring day is glad with music, But through it sounds a sadder strain; The worthiest of our narrowing circle Sings Loring's dirges o'er again.
What this Textopian page supports
To Lydia Maria Child, on Reading her Poem in "the Standard. " is listed on Textopian as an essay by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1843 CE.
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- Work type: Essay
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1843 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Elegy, Lyric, Social Commentary, Spiritual
- Length: 390 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is primarily a poem, characterized by its use of verse, meter, and emotional expression.
- Elegy — The poem reflects on loss and mourning, specifically addressing the death of a friend, which is a key aspect of elegiac poetry.
- Lyric — The poem conveys personal feelings and emotions, typical of lyric poetry, focusing on the speaker's reflections and sentiments.
- Social Commentary — The poem touches on themes of slavery and social justice, providing a critique of societal issues relevant to the time.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century Poetry · Free Verse · Social Commentary · Abolitionist Movement · Slavery · Racism · Equality · Freedom · Human Rights · Civil War Era