What of the Day?
The poem explores themes of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. It describes a day that has passed, leaving behind only memories and the inevitability of death. The speaker reflects on how time slips away, and how each moment is lost forever. The poem's tone is melancholic and contemplative, inviting the reader to consider their own mortality.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1837 · Genre: Poetry, Political Literature, Religious Literature · 342 words
First lines
Written during the stirring weeks when the great political battle for Freedom under Fremont's leadership was permitting strong hope of success, -- a hope overshadowed and solemnized by a sense of the magnitude of the barbaric evil, and a forecast of the unscrupulous and desperate use of all its powers in the last and decisive struggle.
What this Textopian page supports
What of the Day? is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1837 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: 1837 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Political Literature, Religious Literature, Historical Literature, Philosophical Literature
- Length: 342 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- My Trust by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Evening Hymn Of The Reverend Eli Jenkins by Dylan Thomas
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- The Aurora Of Guido A Fragment by Henry David Thoreau
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetry.
- Political Literature — The themes revolve around political struggle, freedom, and moral conflict during a significant historical moment.
- Religious Literature — The text reflects on divine will and moral judgment, indicating a strong religious undertone.
- Historical Literature — It addresses historical events and figures, providing context to the political and social climate of the time.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Free Verse · Nature Poetry · Meditative · Reflective · Philosophical · Existential · Spiritual · Hopeful · Optimistic