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John Greenleaf Whittier: Part 2 After his first childhood attempts at poetry, Whittier began writing some ballads and verse on contemporary events and at seventeen his sister submitted one of his works to a publication. Imagine his delight when he opened the paper and saw his own first work in print! The editor of the Free Press was only three years older than Whittier but helped him get his start… urging Whittier’s father to provide him a better education. Two years later, at nineteen, he began attending a new academy, and paying his own way for two years. He then started reading more of the classic authors and wrote more for the local papers. By age twenty-one Whittier set out to make his living with his pen and for the next few years worked at various local publications, until his health caused him to return to his father’s home. At about this time he began to be passionate about relieving the burdens of the slaves, and began writing his anti-slavery works. He was so adamant about this cause that his office was burned and he himself was constantly in danger. As an abolitionist in those time, he showed great courage. In standing for right, he gave up a secure future in writing for publications because so much of public sentiment was still against this change.Whittier never regretted this choice, but felt true heart success in doing according to his ideals. To be continued.
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