Bitter-Sweet: A Poem by J. G. Holland
"Bitter-Sweet: A Poem" by J. G. Holland is a poetic exploration written in the late 19th century, likely reflecting the philosophical and spiritual questions prevalent during that period. The work delves into themes of faith and doubt, offering a narrative interwoven with personal and familial relationships against the backdrop of seasonal transitions, particularly a Thanksgiving celebration in a Puritan family setting. The main character, Israel, serves as the patriarch whose reflections on
suffering, joy, faith, and the acceptance of God's will frame the discourse among the family members. The opening of "Bitter-Sweet" sets a somber yet contemplative scene during a fierce winter storm, where a Thanksgiving gathering unfolds in an old farmhouse. The narrative introduces Israel and his children, including the spirited Ruth, who challenges traditional beliefs about faith and suffering. Dialogue among characters reveals a tension between the need for belief in a good, just God and the reality of life's hardships, illustrated through personal anecdotes and theological debates. As they navigate their thoughts on joy intertwined with pain, the reader is invited to reflect on the complexity of human emotions and the bittersweet nature of existence itself. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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About this eBook
| Author | Holland, J. G. (Josiah Gilbert), 1819-1881 |
|---|---|
| Title | Bitter-Sweet: A Poem |
| Credits | Produced by D. Garcia, Tom Allen, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 85.1 (6th grade). Easy to read. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature |
| Subject | American poetry -- 19th century |
| Category | Text |
| EBook-No. | 6442 |
| Release Date | Sep 1, 2004 |
| Most Recently Updated | Dec 29, 2020 |
| Copyright Status | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 337 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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