To my Friend on the Death of his Sister
The poem is a lamentation of the loss of a young woman who has died suddenly and unexpectedly. The speaker addresses his friend, expressing his own grief and shock at the news. He describes the deceased as having been full of life and promise, with her whole future ahead of her. The poem explores themes of mortality, the fleeting nature of life, and the pain of loss.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1823 · Genre: Elegy, Lyric Poetry, Religious Poetry · 430 words
First lines
Sophia Sturge, sister of Joseph Sturge, of Birmingham, the President of the British Complete Suffrage Association, died in the 6th month, 1845. She was the colleague, counsellor, and ever-ready helpmate of her brother in all his vast designs of beneficence. The Birmingham Pilot says of her: "Never, perhaps, were the active and passive virtues of the human character more harmoniously and beautifully blended than in this excellent woman. "
Thine is a grief, the depth of which another May never know; Yet, o'er the waters, O my stricken brother! To thee I go.
What this Textopian page supports
To my Friend on the Death of his Sister is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1823 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: 1823 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Elegy, Lyric Poetry, Religious Poetry, Inspirational Poetry, Social Commentary
- Length: 430 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Elegy — The work expresses deep sorrow and reflection on the death of a loved one, characteristic of elegiac poetry.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem conveys personal emotions and thoughts, focusing on grief and consolation.
- Religious Poetry — Themes of divine mercy and the afterlife are prevalent, reflecting spiritual beliefs.
- Inspirational Poetry — The poem encourages resilience and hope in the face of loss, promoting a positive outlook.
Tags
Elegy · Poem · Mourning · Loss · Grief · Friendship · Condolence · Sympathy · Death · Sister · Family · Emotional