Among the Hills, and other poems: Part 5 From Volume I of The Works of John Greenleaf Whittier

In Short

This collection of narrative poems explores the intersections of nature, faith, and the human condition in 19th-century America. Through pastoral idylls, folk tales of Norse lore, and meditations on the universal spirit of divinity, the writing captures a longing for simplicity and moral clarity. It remains a testament to the poet’s belief that true culture is found not in urban artifice, but in the harmonious relationship between man and the natural world, forever seeking a "Happy Isle" of peace and shared human dignity.

The Story

The collection begins with a pastoral interlude that sets the stage for the stories to follow. The narrator, seeking refuge from the "stress and strain" of modern life, retreats to the New Hampshire hills. Here, amidst the golden-rod and the quiet industry of the farm, he observes a "fair democracy of flowers" and encounters a local woman who shares a tale of her community. Her story—the centerpiece of the volume—concerns a city-bred woman who visits the mountains and discovers a profound connection with a local farmer. Though their backgrounds are vastly different, their love deepens into a mutual respect that elevates them both, proving that true refinement is not a product of class but of character.

As the collection progresses, the scope shifts from the specific landscape of the Bearcamp River to the wider, often darker, currents of history and legend. In "The Dole of Jarl Thorkell," the narrative moves to a famine-stricken Norse land. When the gods demand the sacrifice of the weak, the Jarl refuses, choosing instead to redistribute the community’s wealth. This act of communal sacrifice replaces the cold, ancient demands of the old gods with the warmth of a shared humanity. Similarly, in "The Two Rabbins," the story follows a man who, having committed a sin, seeks the counsel of a distant peer. Through their interaction, they discover that personal salvation is inextricably linked to the service of others, illustrating that "Heaven's gate is shut to him who comes alone."

The final movements of the collection explore the persistence of hope in the face of inevitable loss. In "Norembega," a knight dies in the American wilderness while searching for a fabled city, only to find that the "city not made with hands" is the only one that endures. "Marguerite," a tragic tale of an Acadian exile, highlights the cruelty of prejudice and the redemptive power of love in the face of death. The collection closes with "The Robin," a gentle myth that reframes suffering and pity as divine acts, suggesting that every good thought is a cooling drop of water in a world of trial. Throughout these varied tales, the underlying arc is one of gradual enlightenment: the recognition that regardless of time, place, or creed, the human spirit is united by a common search for mercy, beauty, and the "Over-Heart" that sustains all life.

How It Unfolds

The Prelude The narrator pauses his labor to observe the drowsy, golden stillness of the New Hampshire hills. He invites the reader to step away from "grave themes" and appreciate the simple majesty of a life lived in harmony with the landscape.

The Bearcamp Idyll A local hostess tells the story of an unlikely romance between a sophisticated city woman and a rugged, thoughtful farmer. Their relationship becomes a model for how "culture's charm and labor's strength" might unite to create a more compassionate society.

Ancient Myths and Moral Lessons The focus shifts to historical and legendary figures, including the Norse Jarl Thorkell and the Rabbis Nathan and Isaac. These stories argue that charity and mutual sacrifice are the essential tools for overcoming both famine and the weight of personal sin.

The Search for the Ideal The narrative moves to the early exploration of America, where a knight dies in the wilderness seeking a mythical golden city. His failure to find the city is revealed to be a success, as he finds a spiritual home instead.

The Final Meditations The collection concludes with intimate portraits of sorrow and grace, including the death of an Acadian girl and a grandmother’s lesson on the mercy of birds. These final pieces reinforce the theme that life’s meaning is found in pity, kindness, and the universal reach of the divine.

The People

The narrator acts as a thoughtful bridge between the reader and the subjects, characterized by a deep, observant empathy. He is a seeker of "the eternal beauty which fulfils the one great purpose of creation, Love."

The farmer and the city woman are the primary figures of the central idyll. The farmer, a man with "black brows" and a "strong, manly" demeanor, possesses an innate intelligence and a deep connection to his land. The woman, initially a "city's fair, pale daughter," undergoes a transformation as the mountain air and the farmer's honesty strip away her superficiality, revealing a soul capable of profound respect.

Jarl Thorkell serves as a figure of moral defiance, standing against the brutal traditions of his people to prioritize the lives of the weak over the demands of the "strong gods." Similarly, the Rabbis Nathan and Isaac represent the redemptive power of humility, learning that their personal sins are best mended by caring for the suffering of another.

Finally, the unnamed knight in "Norembega" and the girl Marguerite stand as symbols of the "wayfarer." The knight represents the questing human soul that realizes late in life that its true desires lie not in earthly riches but in spiritual peace. Marguerite, in her tragic helplessness, forces those around her to confront the hardness of their own hearts, acting as a final, silent catalyst for grace.

In Its Own Voice

"Story, God bless you! I have none to tell you!"

In this line, the narrator humbly deflects the expectation of a complex epic, choosing instead to focus on the quiet beauty of the hills.

"He has his own free, bookless lore, / The lessons nature taught him."

This quote describes the innate, unpretentious wisdom of the farmer, whose character is forged by the land rather than by social convention.

"Heaven's gate is shut to him who comes alone; / Save thou a soul, and it shall save thy own!"

These final words of the Rabbi Nathan serve as the moral heartbeat of the entire collection, emphasizing that spiritual salvation is a communal act.

What It's Really About

The book is an argument for a "fair democracy" of the heart. It posits that beauty, morality, and divinity are not the property of any single class, religion, or region. The central question asks how one can lead a meaningful life amidst the "stress and strain" of an industrializing world. The answer provided is a turn toward the "inward word" and a recognition of the "Over-Heart"—a universal, guiding spirit of love. It argues against the "letter's oldness" of rigid creeds and favors a lived, practical faith that manifests in kindness, self-sacrifice, and an appreciation for the natural world as a reflection of the divine.

Why Read It Today

Readers who appreciate quiet, pastoral observation and the moral gravity of 19th-century verse will find this collection deeply rewarding. It is a slow, meditative book; it invites you to sit on a hill, watch the "sunset smoulder," and consider the weight of your own actions. The language is rich with the botanical and topographical specifics of New England, yet it remains accessible to anyone who has felt the urge to trade the noise of the city for the silence of the woods.

However, the reader should be prepared for the earnest, sometimes moralizing tone typical of the period. The dialect of the hills, though used sparingly, may require a moment of adjustment, and the Victorian sentimentality—particularly in the tragic tales—can feel heavy to a modern sensibility. You will encounter attitudes that reflect a different era’s piety and social structure. Yet, beneath these period markers lies a genuine, heart-felt plea for tolerance and mutual respect. The beauty of the writing remains: the descriptions of the autumn woods, the "rhythmic flails" of the harvest, and the "silver shield" of the mountain lakes linger long after the book is closed. It is a work for those who believe that even in a world of "unsolved mystery," the simple act of loving one's neighbor is a profound, holy labor.