Utterance by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem explores the theme of social class and the effects of poverty on individuals and society. It describes a poor family's struggle to survive and their longing for a better life. The speaker reflects on the harsh realities of poverty, including hunger, cold, and illness, and contrasts these with the comforts enjoyed by the wealthy.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1827 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Spiritual · 135 words
First lines
But what avail inadequate words to reach The innermost of Truth? Who shall essay, Blinded and weak, to point and lead the way, Or solve the mystery in familiar speech? Yet, if it be that something not thy own, Some shadow of the Thought to which our schemes, Creeds, cult, and ritual are at best but dreams, Is even to thy unworthiness made known, Thou mayst not hide what yet thou shouldst not dare To utter lightly, lest on lips of thine The real seem false, the beauty undivine. So, weighing duty in the scale of prayer, Give what seems given thee. It may prove a seed Of goodness dropped in fallow-grounds of need. 1881.
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Utterance is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1827 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1827 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Spiritual, Reflective, Romanticism
- Length: 135 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Philosophical — It explores deep themes of truth, existence, and the limitations of language.
- Spiritual — The text reflects on spiritual concepts and the nature of divine communication.
- Reflective — It encourages introspection and contemplation on the nature of understanding and expression.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Free Verse · Nature Poetry · Romanticism · Symbolism · Imagery · Figurative Language · Metaphor · Simile · Personification