Born on this day December 17, 1807, John Greenleaf Whittier, a renowned American poet and abolitionist, left a mark on American literature with his profound works that predominantly revolved around his anti-slavery stance. His literary creations were deeply interwoven with his Quaker beliefs, and his unwavering advocacy for human rights and equality. His influence reached beyond his literary contributions, shaping the cultural and social fabric of the nation during the 19th century.
Whittier’s most potent impact on American literature can arguably be traced to his eloquent and powerful use of poetry as a tool for social reform. His fiery abolitionist poems, such as “Ichabod” and “Cassandra Southwick,” struck a chord with readers across America, influencing public opinion towards the burgeoning anti-slavery movement. Moreover, his work was instrumental in establishing poetry as a significant medium for social commentary and political activism.
Beyond his contributions as a poet, Whittier also served as a pioneering figure in the development of regional literature in America. His nostalgic and vivid depictions of rural New England life in works like Snow-Bound and “The Barefoot Boy” captured the essence of an era, fostering an appreciation for the diversity and richness of American regional cultures.
John Greenleaf Whittier’s enduring legacy in American literature is reflective of his steadfast commitment to equality and justice. His mastery over the written word, coupled with his strong moral convictions, carved a niche for him among the pantheon of great American writers. More importantly, it made him an integral part of the broader discourse on human rights and dignity that continues to resonate in contemporary American literature.
The Worship of Nature
The harp at Nature’s advent strung
Has never ceased to play;
The song the stars of morning sung
Has never died away.
And prayer is made, and praise is given,
By all things near and far;
The ocean looketh up to heaven,
And mirrors every star.
Its waves are kneeling on the strand,
As kneels the human knee,
Their white locks bowing to the sand,
The priesthood of the sea!
They pour their glittering treasures forth,
Their gifts of pearl they bring,
And all the listening hills of earth
Take up the song they sing.
The green earth sends its incense up
From many a mountain shrine;
From folded leaf and dewy cup
She pours her sacred wine.
The mists above the morning rills
Rise white as wings of prayer;
The altar-curtains of the hills
Are sunset’s purple air.
The winds with hymns of praise are loud,
Or low with sobs of pain,—
The thunder-organ of the cloud,
The dropping tears of rain.
With drooping head and branches crossed
The twilight forest grieves,
Or speaks with tongues of Pentecost
From all its sunlit leaves.
The blue sky is the temple’s arch,
Its transept earth and air,
The music of its starry march
The chorus of a prayer.
So Nature keeps the reverent frame
With which her years began,
And all her signs and voices shame
The prayerless heart of man.
-John Greenleaf Whittier
Curated by Jennifer
