Fable for Critics Whittier to Cooper
A Fable for Critics [Whittier to Cooper] by James Russell Lowell Famous writers mentioned in this section—click on the name to move to that part of the poem: John Greenleaf Whittier: learn more about...
Category: Excellence in Literature: The Curriculum
Fable for Critics Introduction
A Fable for Critics [Introduction] by James Russell Lowell Phoebus, sitting one day in a laurel-tree’s shade, Was reminded of Daphne, of whom it was made, For the god being one day too warm...
Fable for Critics Emerson to Bryant
A Fable for Critics [Emerson to Bryant] by James Russell Lowell Famous writers mentioned in this section—click on the name to move to that part of the poem: Ralph Waldo Emerson (learn more about...
Verses upon the Burning of Our House by Anne Bradstreet
In this heartfelt poem, Anne Bradstreet muses upon the emotions she experienced during and after the catastrophic fire that consumed her family’s home. Verses upon the Burning of Our House, July 18th, 1666 by...
To My Dear and Loving Husband by Anne Bradstreet
In this deeply personal and moving poem, Anne Bradstreet writes lovingly of her husband. To My Dear and Loving Husband by Anne Bradstreet 1 If ever two were one, then surely we. 2 If...
The Prologue – A Poem by Anne Bradstreet
The Prologue A poem by Anne Bradstreet 1 To sing of Wars, of Captains, and of Kings, 2 Of Cities founded, Common-wealths begun, 3 For my mean Pen are too superior things; 4 Or...
In Reference to Her Children by Anne Bradstreet
In Reference to Her Children, 23 June 1659 by Anne Bradstreet 1 I had eight birds hatcht in one nest, 2 Four Cocks were there, and Hens the rest. 3 I nurst them up...
In Honour of that High and Mighty Princess Queen Elizabeth by Anne Bradstreet
In Honour of that High and Mighty Princess, Queen Elizabeth by Anne Bradstreet Proem. Although great Queen, thou now in silence lie, Yet thy loud Herald Fame, doth to the sky Thy wondrous worth...
The Four Ages of Man by Anne Bradstreet
The Four Ages of Man by Anne Bradstreet [Introduction] Childhood Youth Middle Age Old Age [Introduction] 1.1 Lo now! four other acts upon the stage, 1.2 Childhood, and Youth, the Manly, and Old-age. 1.3 ...
The Flesh and the Spirit by Anne Bradstreet
The Flesh and the Spirit by Anne Bradstreet In secret place where once I stood Close by the Banks of Lacrim flood, I heard two sisters reason on Things that are past and things...
A Dialogue between Old England and New by Anne Bradstreet
A Dialogue between Old England and New by Anne Bradstreet New England. Alas, dear Mother, fairest Queen and best, With honour, wealth, and peace happy and blest, What ails thee hang thy head, and...
Contemplations by Anne Bradstreet
Contemplations by Anne Bradstreet 1 Sometime now past in the Autumnal Tide, 2 When Ph{oe}bus wanted but one hour to bed, 3 The trees all richly clad, yet void of pride, 4 Were gilded...
By Night when Others Soundly Slept by Anne Bradstreet
By Night when Others Soundly Slept by Anne Bradstreet (1612 – 1672) 1 By night when others soundly slept 2 And hath at once both ease and Rest, 3 My waking eyes were open...
A Fable for Critics by James Russell Lowell
James Russell Lowell’s “A Fable for Critics” (1848) is a funny introduction to many of the nineteenth-century poets and writers. Since the entire poem is very long — it’s really a whole book —...
Anne Bradstreet Poetry
Anne Bradstreet poetry Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672) was one of the first American poets, and her life and work evoke a vivid picture of Colonial America and reflect her Puritan faith and love for her family....
The Author to Her Book by Anne Bradstreet
The Author to Her Book By Anne Bradstreet 1 Thou ill-form’d offspring of my feeble brain, 2 Who after birth did’st by my side remain, 3 Till snatcht from thence by friends, less wise...
Hudson River School Artwork
The Hudson River School A group of artists known as the Hudson River School painted romantic landscape scenes, some of which depicted the American setting for Washington Irving’s works. These artists included Thomas Cole,...
Herman Melville Resources
Herman Melville (1819–1891) led a remarkably interesting life and his stories of the sea are colored by his personal experiences. He is most famous for his masterpiece, Moby Dick. Herman Melville biography You may...
Benjamin Franklin Resources
Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) was one of America’s most interesting historical figures. Like Leonardo da Vinci, Franklin pursued many subjects including writing, politics, invention, music, and more. He is known for pithy quotations as well...
Oscar Wilde Resources
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an immensely gifted writer who produced a large variety of work ranging from humorous to tragic. He had the capacity to be ridiculous (The Importance of Being Earnest) as well...
Anna Akhmatova film trailer
You may view the trailer for this film about Russian poet Anna Akhmatova. Other World Literature (E5) videos
The Jumblies by Edward Lear
THE JUMBLIES by Edward Lear I. They went to sea in a Sieve, they did, In a Sieve they went to sea: In spite of all their friends could say, On a winter’s morn,...
The Walrus and the Carpenter by Lewis Carroll
The Walrus and the Carpenter by Lewis Carroll “The sun was shining on the sea, Shining with all his might: He did his very best to make The billows smooth and bright— And this...
Victor Hugo Resources
Victor Hugo (1802-1885) was a beloved and enduring French novelist, playwright, and poet. His classic book Les Misérables inspired the stage musical of the same name. Learn more about Victor Hugo and his work...
Boaz Asleep by Victor Hugo
BOAZ ASLEEP (“Booz s’était couché.”) by Victor Hugo Translation by BP. ALEXANDER [original French is below the English] from Hugo’s volume of poems, La Légende des siècles collected in Poems by Victor Hugo, 1888...
1995 Pride and Prejudice Fan Trailer
I recommend the 1995 BBC/A&E version of Pride and Prejudice, with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. It incorporates much of Austen’s incomparable dialogue and remains generally faithful to the novel. Below, this brief “trailer”...
DiCaprio Discusses The Great Gatsby
Actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who plays Jay Gatsby in a recent film adaptation, reflects on the movie and the novel The Great Gatsby in the short clip below. Other American Literature (E3) videos
Inferno Cantos 32 to 34 Questions and Analysis by Stacy Esch
Inferno: Final Destinations Cantos XXXII – XXXIV by Stacy Esch, with illustrations selected by EIL staff Circle 9, The Frozen Pit Treacherous Fraud [To be expanded] Dante arrives at the bottom of the Inferno,...
Inferno Cantos 18 to 31 Questions/Analysis by Stacy Esch
Inferno: Final Destinations Cantos XVIII – XXI by Stacy Esch, with illustrations selected by EIL staff The Eighth Circle, Malebolge Sins of Fraud Malebolge, Dante’s name for the Eighth Circle, furthers our understanding of...
