John Greenleaf Whittier's "Snow-Bound," A Little Boy Remembers.
Thesis Statement: John Greenleaf Whittier's poem "Snow-Bound" is a nostalgic poem about family life on the farm.
I. Introduction.
II. Biography.
A. Personal life.
B. Professional life.
III. Style and poetry.
A. Writing style.
B. Poetry.
IV. Snow-Bound.
A. Background.
B. Symbolism.
V. Conclusion.
John Greenleaf Whittier an American Poet.
During the 1800's, many great American poets emerged. One of these was John Greenleaf Whittier. He is most well-known for "Snow-Bound," a poem written near the end of his life. "Snow-Bound," by John Greenleaf Whittier, is a nostalgic poem about family life on the farm.
Whittier was born on December 17, 1807, in a small farmhouse in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Whittier's parents were devout Quakers who held worship daily in their home. Whittier's early life was not easy. His parents were very strict, and he was required to work on the farm (Folsom 738-739). In 1827, when he was twenty years of age, Whittier entered Haverhill Academy. He did not have enough money to pay for tuition, therefore he was forced to pay for his schooling by working as a cobbler and teaching school. Two years after he had enrolled in the academy, Whittier returned home to care for his family. He managed the farm for a short time before he became too frail to be of much help (Myerson). Whittier enlisted as an abolitionist in 1833, and he worked in politics throughout the Civil War. He spent the end of his life in Amesbury and died on September 7, 1892.
Though Whittier was a very talented poet, well-known by many, he had little confidence in his work. By 1826, he had written at least thirty poems, but he was hesitant about having them published. His sister, having faith in Whittier's work, mailed in one of his poems to the Newport Free Press. This poem, "The Exile's Departure," was the first Whittier poem ever printed (Myerson).
