Romanticism Through Whittier's Eyes

Most people agree that abolishing slavery has always been a struggle throughout the history of America. Great writers and thinkers openly expressed their disapproval, especially during the Romantic era. During this time period, strict laws were replaced by artistic freedom, experimentation, and critical thinking. Ideas of political liberty were also seriously considered by Romantics. Through a close examination of the poem “Ichabod,” John Greenleaf Whittier is definitely considered a Romantic poet because he strongly presents his political opposition to slavery, criticizes and questions the moral qualities of man, and expresses religious ideas through a metaphorical comparison to the Bible.

Poets are, no doubt, recognized first for their poetry. Despite the fact that Whittier took on many roles politically, he was first and foremost a poet. His writing pertained to the abolitionist movement and had been composed for purely political reasons. Not only was this pet a Quaker, but he was also a significant politician and moral force in the fight to abolish slavery. Lewis Leary confirms the purpose of “Ichabod” within the book John Greenleaf Whittier:

This piece, the famous “Ichabod,” came more directly, out of his political commitment than any previous work. “This poem,” Whittier wrote years later, “was the outcome of the surprise and grief and forecast of evil consequences which I felt on reading the Seventh of March Speech by Daniel Webster....” (105)

The 1850s decade began abruptly when on the seventh of March; Daniel Webster affirmed his support of 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 protest “Ichabod.” This...

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...nner death" (Leary 109). Whittier not only uses religious texts to strenghthen his viewpoints, but goes a step further by adding emphasis on his moral and spiritual values, as well.

Whittier, like other poets, manipulates creative techniques that turn ordinary words into portals of expression. However, his Romantic opinions differentiate him from other poets while emphasizing his role in politics, abolition, and society. Especially in “Ichabod,” a poem through which John Greenleaf Whittier is very much considered a Romantic poet because he greatly exhibits his political opposition to slavery, criticizes and questions the moral qualities of man, and depicts religious ideas through a metaphorical comparison to the Bible. That Romantic spark within Whittier’s heart was just a small piece of the passionate fire which revolutionized a greater movement in America.