Wordsworth
The poem is a tribute to William Wordsworth's legacy and influence on American literature. It portrays him as a symbol of the Romantic movement and its emphasis on nature and emotion. The speaker reflects on Wordsworth's poetry, highlighting his ability to evoke powerful emotions through his descriptions of the natural world. The poem also touches on Wordsworth's role in shaping American literary tastes and his impact on the development of American poetry.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1856 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Romanticism · 208 words
First lines
WRITTEN ON A BLANK LEAF OF HIS MEMOIRS.
Dear friends, who read the world aright, And in its common forms discern A beauty and a harmony The many never learn!
Kindred in soul of him who found In simple flower and leaf and stone The impulse of the sweetest lays Our Saxon tongue has known, --
Accept this record of a life As sweet and pure, as calm and good, As a long day of blandest June In green field and in wood.
What this Textopian page supports
Wordsworth is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1856 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: 1856 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Romanticism, Lyric, Philosophical
- Length: 208 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Wordsworth by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Wordsworth?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Progress Of Poesy by Matthew Arnold
- Byron by James Mcintyre
- Keats In Praise Of Poets by Henry Van Dyke
- Lionel Johnson by Joyce Kilmer
- Early Death And Fame by Matthew Arnold
- John Keats by Lord Byron
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetic forms.
- Nature Writing — The themes focus on the beauty and harmony found in nature, reflecting a deep appreciation for the natural world.
- Romanticism — The emphasis on emotion, individual experience, and the sublime aspects of nature aligns with Romantic ideals.
- Lyric — The personal expression of feelings and thoughts about nature and life characterizes the lyrical style.
Tags
Biography · Poetry · Literary Criticism · English Literature · Romanticism · 19th Century · Non-Fiction · Essay Collection · Wordsworthian Studies · Critical Analysis · Intellectual History · Philosophy of Art