Hymn
A poem by Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849) is best known for his tales of mystery and the macabre, but he also wrote lyric poetry that reveals a more personal and reflective side. 'Hymn' was published in 1835 and is addressed to the Virgin Mary, expressing a speaker's trust in her presence through all circumstances — joy and sorrow, bright days and storms. Though Poe's own faith was complex and often questioned by scholars, this poem is a literary expression of devotion, not a theological argument. It is worth a young reader's time because it shows how poetry can hold both darkness and hope, and because it speaks to the universal human need for something steady when life is uncertain. This text reflects its era.
- Band
- Green · Independent readers, earlyTypical starting range: ages 9–11
- Length
- medium · about 720 words in 4 sections · 3 pictures
- Source
- The Complete Poetical Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Edgar Allan Poe
- First published
- see the About page in the reader
- Regions
- Canada · United States
Included formats
- · Web reader and PDF
- · EPUB for e-readers
- · Home-print sheet
- · Folded booklet
- · Binder edition (8.5 × 11)
- · Worksheet
- · Quick Check (10 questions) with answer key
- · Read-aloud script
- · Teacher’s Edition (members)
Lesson at a glance
- Reading
- about 8 minutes at this band
- Pause questions
- 2
- Words to Know
- 8
- Quick Check
- 10 questions, with the answer key
- Let’s Talk
- 2 questions for afterwards
- Worksheet
- questions, an activity and a drawing prompt
About 35 minutes with one story, all of it.
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