The editor was so in pressed with the poem that he not only requested more poetry, but he also visited Whittier's parents and requested that Whittier further his education (Myerson). While at Haverhill Academy, Whittier continued to write. In 1829 he accepted his first position as editor of the American Manufacturer. While there he proofed, reviewed, analyzed, and wrote his own poetry. After leaving his job as an editor in 1831 due to failing health, Whittier returned home. He soon after became an abolitionist. Whittier formed antislavery societies, attended many conventions, and was often caught in angry mobs (Pickard). In 1838, he became the editor for the Pennsylvania Freeman and greatly influenced it. With his help the Freeman became one of the leading antislavery newspapers (Myerson). Though Whittier strongly supported the North, he dreamed of writing a book that would bring peace between the North and the South(Pickard). Whittier continued to work as an abolitionist until the end of the Civil War. In 1846 he published Voices of Freedom, his last collection of antislavery poems. Whittier continued to write up until his death in 1892.
Though Whittier's poems are well-known and respected, his writing style is very simple. His use of words is often referred to as "child-like" (Myerson). Whittier's writings are straightforward and easy to understand. His style is influenced by three factors. The first is his religious training. His parents were devout Quakers, and their teaching shone through in his poems. The next is his rural background. Whittier was raised on a farm that was far away from other people. The last is the romantic verse of Scott and Byron (Myerson). Whittier's style is very unique because no one else has his background or the same influences.
Whittier's later poetry changed greatly in comparison to his later works. In the beginning his poetry was about working on the farm. He complained about the work and his desire for education.