To Samuel E. Sewall and Harriet W. Sewall, of Me
The poem is a tribute to the Sewall family, specifically Samuel and Harriet, who were abolitionists and social reformers. It highlights their commitment to the cause of freedom and equality, particularly in relation to slavery. The speaker praises their dedication and courage, using imagery and metaphor to convey the importance of their work.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1867 · Genre: Poetry, Dedication, Historical · 208 words
First lines
These lines to my old friends stood as dedication in the volume which contained a collection of pieces under the general title of In War Time. The group belonging distinctly under that title I have retained here; the other pieces in the volume are distributed among the appropriate divisions.
What this Textopian page supports
To Samuel E. Sewall and Harriet W. Sewall, of Melrose is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1867 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: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Dedication, Historical, Social Commentary, Lyric
- Length: 208 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for To Samuel E. Sewall and Harriet W. Sewall, of Melrose by John Greenleaf Whittier
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering To Samuel E. Sewall and Harriet W. Sewall, of Melrose?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a collection of poetic pieces, characterized by its use of verse and lyrical expression.
- Dedication — The text serves as a dedication to specific individuals, highlighting personal connections and sentiments.
- Historical — The themes reflect on historical events, particularly civil strife and national grief, situating the work within a historical context.
- Social Commentary — The piece addresses societal issues and the emotional impact of war, providing commentary on the state of the nation.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Free Verse · Nature Poetry · Romanticism · New England · Autobiographical · Elegy · Tribute · Friendship · Love Poem