Wilson by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem tells the story of a man who has been wronged and seeks revenge against his tormentor. The speaker describes how he has been driven to madness by his desire for vengeance and how it has consumed him completely. He sees himself as a force of nature, unstoppable and unyielding in his pursuit of justice.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1834 · Genre: Poetry, Biography, Historical · 343 words
First lines
Read at the Massachusetts Club on the seventieth anniversary the birthday of Vice-President Wilson, February 16, 1882.
The lowliest born of all the land, He wrung from Fate's reluctant hand The gifts which happier boyhood claims; And, tasting on a thankless soil The bitter bread of unpaid toil, He fed his soul with noble aims.
What this Textopian page supports
Wilson is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1834 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: 1834 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Biography, Historical, Inspirational, Political
- Length: 343 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing meter and rhyme, characteristic of poetic form.
- Biography — The content reflects the life and achievements of a significant historical figure, focusing on personal growth and contributions.
- Historical — The themes and context relate to historical events and figures, emphasizing the impact of individual actions on national history.
- Inspirational — The themes of perseverance, self-education, and noble aims serve to inspire readers.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · 19th Century · Free Verse · Nature Poetry · Social Commentary · Politics · Slavery · Abolitionism · Historical Fiction · Biographical · Autobiographical Elements