# Simon — Poetry character guide

> Simon in Poetry by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0129-simon-s-countrymen

## Snapshot

A biblical disciple whose presence in Harper's later verses recalls the fishermen and followers who walked with Jesus and learned to read the signs of deliverance.

## Who they are

Simon belongs to the circle of early believers whose faith was tested by watching and waiting — the same posture Uncle Jacob urges on Chloe when he says slavery is bound to pass away. In Harper's hands, such figures carry the weight of patient conviction, the trust that God's justice moves even when evidence is thin. His role in the collection is to remind readers that deliverance has always required those willing to wait, watch, and pray without letting courage fail.

## In the story

### [Mary at the Feet of Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/mary-at-the-feet-of-christ)

The host who coldly judges Mary, failing to show Christ proper welcome or compassion.

### [Simon's Countrymen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/simon-s-countrymen)

Simon of Cyrene, who helped Jesus carry the cross, is honored as a symbol of compassion and is linked to the African diaspora.

### [Simon's Feast](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/simon-s-feast)

The host who fails to offer hospitality and doubts Jesus' holiness.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/characters/simon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/characters