Topic > Romance Through Whittier's Eyes - 1245

Most people agree that the abolition of slavery has always been a struggle throughout America's history. Great writers and thinkers openly expressed their disapproval, especially during the Romantic era. During this period, strict laws were replaced by artistic freedom, experimentation and critical thinking. The ideas of political freedom were also seriously considered by the Romantics. Through a careful examination of the poem “Ichabod,” John Greenleaf Whittier is certainly considered a Romantic poet because he forcefully presents his political opposition to slavery, criticizes and questions the moral qualities of man, and expresses religious ideas through a metaphorical comparison with the Bible. .Poets are, without a doubt, recognized first and foremost for their poetry. Although Whittier served in many political roles, he was first and foremost a poet. His writings belonged to the abolitionist movement and were composed for purely political reasons. Not only was this pet a Quaker, but he was also a significant political and moral force in the fight to abolish slavery. Lewis Leary confirms the purpose of “Ichabod” in the book John Greenleaf Whittier: This piece, the famous “Ichabod,” derives more directly from his political commitment than any previous work. “This poem,” Whittier wrote years later, “was the result of the surprise, grief, and forethought of evil consequences which I felt in reading Daniel Webster's March 7th speech...." (105) The 1850s began suddenly when the seventh of March; Daniel Webster affirmed his support for compromise with the Southern slave power. Von Frank describes Whittier as so "shocked and saddened by this unexpected defection" that it led to the powerful "Ichabod" protest. This…half of the paper…inner death” (Leary 109). Whittier not only uses religious texts to reinforce his points of view, but goes a step further by adding emphasis to his moral and spiritual values ​​as well. Whittier, like other poets, he manipulates creative techniques that transform ordinary words into portals of expression. However, his romantic views differentiate him from other poets by emphasizing his role in politics, abolition and society. Especially in “Ichabod”, a poem through which John Greenleaf Whittier is considered a romantic poet because he shows with great force his political opposition to slavery, criticizes and questions the moral qualities of man and describes religious ideas through a metaphorical comparison with the Bible in Whittier's heart it was just a small fragment of the passionate fire that revolutionized a larger movement in America.