# Unknown Narrator — Poetry character guide > Unknown Narrator in Poetry by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper. **Role:** major **Also known as:** thy, thee, myself, Mine, Your **First appearance:** 0000-eliza-harris ## Snapshot A faithful enslaved woman who watches her master's family torn apart by the Civil War while clinging to a whispered promise that her scattered boys will return. ## Who they are She moves through the big house and the cabins with quiet eyes, marking how old Mistus prays for the Confederacy while Uncle Jacob prays for freedom in the quarters. Her hope is a poultice on a dreadful pain, and her sharp reading of Mistus's face tells her which way the war is turning before the newspapers do. Through her, the private grief of slavery and the public rupture of the nation become one story. ## Relationships ### [Father](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/characters/father) _family_ The father figure interacts with the narrator in a familial, possibly paternal or guiding role. ### [Lo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/characters/lo) _social_ Lo appears as an acquaintance or fellow traveler in the narrator's world, sharing observations. ### [The People](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/characters/the_people) _social_ The People are a collective presence observed or addressed by the narrator in the unfolding story. ### [Moses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/characters/moses) _psychological_ The narrator reflects on Moses as a central symbolic figure of struggle and faith. ### [Aunt Chloe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/characters/aunt_chloe) _family_ Aunt Chloe is a maternal or elder relative to the narrator, offering care or wisdom. ### [Princess Charmian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/characters/princess_charmian) _social_ Princess Charmian is a noble figure encountered by the narrator, possibly in a historical or imaginative context. ### [Mistus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/characters/mistus) _social_ Mistus is a figure in the narrator's world, likely a mistress or authority figure in a household. ### [Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/characters/christ) _psychological_ Christ is a spiritual presence or figure of faith contemplated by the narrator. ### [Father](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/characters/father) _family_ The father figure interacts with the narrator in a familial, possibly paternal or guiding role. ### [Princess Charmian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/characters/princess_charmian) _social_ Princess Charmian is a noble figure encountered by the narrator, possibly in a historical or imaginative context. ### [Lo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/characters/lo) _social_ Lo appears as an acquaintance or fellow traveler in the narrator's world, sharing observations. ### [Father](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/characters/father) _family_ The father figure interacts with the narrator in a familial, possibly paternal or guiding role. ## In the story ### [The Soul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-soul) The narrator speaks in first person, calling for the weighing of earthly treasures against the soul. ### [The Syrophenician Woman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-syrophenician-woman) Narrates the story of the Syrophenician woman with emotional and poetic language. ### [The Slave Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-slave-mother) The narrator describes the mother's shriek, clasped hands, and imploring eye, conveying her despair. ### [Ethiopia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/ethiopia) The prophetic voice declaring Ethiopia's cry and God's coming deliverance. ### [The Drunkard’s Child](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-drunkard-s-child) The narrator describes the scene of the dying child and the drunken father. ### [That Blessed Hope](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/that-blessed-hope) The speaker expresses a personal clinging to blessed hope amid worldly strife. ### [The Dying Christian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-dying-christian) The narrator observes the dying woman and describes her peaceful passing. ### [Report](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/report) The speaker offering marital advice to a young friend. ### [Advice to the Girls](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/advice-to-the-girls) The speaker offers marriage advice, urging girls to look beyond outward show. ### [Saved by Faith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/saved-by-faith) Tells the story of the woman's faith and healing. ### [Died of Starvation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/died-of-starvation) The narrator recounts the tragic story of a man imprisoned for begging bread. ### [A Mother's Heroism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/a-mother-s-heroism) The narrator recounts the story of Lovejoy's mother and her response to her son's death. ### [The Fugitive's Wife](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-fugitive-s-wife) The wife and narrator, who toils in slavery and is devastated by the impending separation from her husband. ### [The Contrast](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-contrast) The narrator describes the plight of the scorned woman and the contrasting fate of the man, offering a moral commentary on hypocrisy and injustice. ### [The Prodigal's Return](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-prodigal-s-return) The narrator who tells the story of the prodigal's return and reflects on its spiritual meaning. ### [Be Active](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/be-active) The voice delivering the urgent call to action and moral duty. ### [Lessons of the Street](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/lessons-of-the-street) The narrator observes and reflects on the various figures encountered in the street. ### [Gone to God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/gone-to-god) The narrator reflects on the death of a lonely woman, describing her suffering and final peace. ### [To the Union Savers of Cleveland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/to-the-union-savers-of-cleveland) The prophetic voice denouncing the city's complicity and warning of divine judgment. ### [Bury Me in a Free Land](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/bury-me-in-a-free-land) The speaker who yearns for burial in a free land and vividly describes the atrocities of slavery. ### [Lines to Hon. Thaddeus Stevens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/lines-to-hon-thaddeus-stevens) The speaker addresses Thaddeus Stevens directly, lamenting the unfulfilled hopes for racial justice. ### [Let the Light Enter!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/let-the-light-enter) The narrator presents the dying words of Goethe and the accompanying prayer. ### [Youth in Heaven](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/youth-in-heaven) The narrator reflects on the nature of heaven and the eternal youth of angels. ### [Lines to Charles Sumner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/lines-to-charles-sumner) The speaker expresses gratitude and hope for Charles Sumner's anti-slavery advocacy. ### [Sir, We Would See Jesus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/sir-we-would-see-jesus) The speaker expressing the collective desire to see Jesus and reflecting on the insufficiency of worldly splendor. ### [The Bride of Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-bride-of-death) The narrator describes the scene of a young girl being claimed by death as a bride. ### [The Dying Fugitive](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-dying-fugitive) The narrator describes the dying fugitive's final moments and inner turmoil. ### [The Mother’s Blessing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-mother-s-blessing) The speaker, a mother expressing her weariness and gratitude for her child. ### [The Change](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-change) The speaker who experiences and celebrates the change from bondage to freedom. ### [The Dying Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-dying-mother) The narrator presents the dying mother's final words and scene. ### [To a Babe Smiling in Her Sleep](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/to-a-babe-smiling-in-her-sleep) The speaker addresses the babe with gentle, reverent questions about angelic visitations and heavenly visions. ### [Jesus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/jesus) The speaker who expresses a personal longing for Jesus and a faith rooted in Christ. ### [The Sin of Achan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-sin-of-achan) The narrator reflects on the ancient tale and applies its lesson as a warning for the present time, calling for a leader to end oppression. ### [The Little Builders](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-little-builders) The narrator addresses the children directly, urging them to become builders of freedom. ### [Light in Darkness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/light-in-darkness) The speaker recounts personal experience of loss and spiritual awakening. ### [Learning to Read](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/learning-to-read) The narrator recounts her own experience of learning to read as an older enslaved woman, expressing her longing to read the Bible and her eventual independence. ### [Church Building](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/church-building) The speaker who recounts the community's efforts to build the church and Uncle Jacob's final blessing. ### [I Thirst](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/i-thirst) The first voice speaks of personal spiritual thirst and weariness. ### [The Dying Queen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-dying-queen) The narrator describes the queen's final moments and her resolve to face death consciously. ### [Free Labor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/free-labor) The speaker who describes wearing a garment free from the stains of slavery and oppression. ### [Lines](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/lines) The narrator describes the allegorical scene of Slavery, the Future, and the Crisis. ### [The Dismissal of Tyng](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-dismissal-of-tyng) The narrator delivers a scathing poetic critique of the church's hypocrisy in dismissing Tyng for speaking against slavery. ### [The Slave Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-slave-mother) The narrator tells the story of the slave mother's flight and tragic act, and directly addresses the reader with a moral plea. ### [Out in the Cold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/out-in-the-cold) The narrator describes the plight of a motherless child and calls for rescue. ### [Save the Boys](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/save-the-boys) The speaker laments his own ruin and pleads for the salvation of boys. ### [Nothing and Something](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/nothing-and-something) The narrator presents a moral lesson through a series of vignettes, warning against indifference to the dangers of alcohol. ### [Wanderer's Return](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/wanderer-s-return) The mother who speaks of her wandering boy's return, expressing profound joy and relief. ### [Fishers of Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/fishers-of-men) The dreamer who chooses to return from heaven's gate to rescue the drowning. ### [Signing the Pledge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/signing-the-pledge) The speaker who recounts his past sins and commits to sobriety. ### [A Fairer Hope, a Brighter Morn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/a-fairer-hope-a-brighter-morn) The speaker who recounts the experience of wearing and breaking the chain of slavery, and who envisions a hopeful future. ### [The Night of Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-night-of-death) The narrator recounts the harrowing night of the storm and the family's ordeal. ### [Mother’s Treasures](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/mother-s-treasures) The mother speaking in the poem, expressing her love and hopes for her children. ### [The Refiner's Gold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-refiner-s-gold) The speaker describes their own spiritual struggle and eventual acceptance of Christ's invitation. ### [A Story of the Rebellion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/a-story-of-the-rebellion) The narrator recounts the harrowing escape and the hero's sacrifice. ### [Going East](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/going-east) The narrator tells the story of the bride's life and death. ### [Songs for the People](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/songs-for-the-people) The speaker who desires to create songs that inspire and comfort all people. ### [An Appeal to My Countrywomen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/an-appeal-to-my-countrywomen) The speaker addresses 'my favored sisters' and 'my well-sheltered sisters,' urging them to recognize the suffering of enslaved mothers. ### [My Mother's Kiss](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/my-mother-s-kiss) The speaker who recalls his mother's kiss and love, now aged and longing for reunion. ### [A Grain of Sand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/a-grain-of-sand) The speaker who contemplates the grain of sand and receives its message of trust. ### [Dedication Poem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/dedication-poem) The narrator tells the story of Hagar and reflects on the dedication of the home. ### [A Double Standard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/a-double-standard) The speaker, a woman who loved and was betrayed, now bearing society's shame while her seducer is honored. ### [Our Hero](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/our-hero) The narrator recounts the terrifying journey and the heroism witnessed. ### [A Little Child Shall Lead Them](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/a-little-child-shall-lead-them) The grieving mother who preserves the blue badge and tells the story of her child's death and its redemptive effect on her family. ### [The Sparrow's Fall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-sparrow-s-fall) The speaker who observes the sparrow's fall and reflects on God's care. ### [God Bless Our Native Land](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/god-bless-our-native-land) The voice praying for the nation's blessing and guidance. ### [Dandelions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/dandelions) The speaker addresses the dandelions and reflects on the beauty and spiritual message they bring. ### [Go Work in My Vineyard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/go-work-in-my-vineyard) The speaker who hears the Lord's call, labors in pain, and finds divine purpose in gathering the bruised grain. ### [Renewal of Strength](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/renewal-of-strength) The speaker reflects on personal physical decay and spiritual renewal. ### [Jamie's Puzzle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/jamie-s-puzzle) The grieving narrator who, along with Jamie, struggles with the mystery of death and separation. ### [The Lost Bells](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-lost-bells) The narrator tells the story of the artist and his lost bells. ### [Behold the Lilies!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/behold-the-lilies) The speaker reflects on God's omnipresent love and care. ### [The Ragged Stocking](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-ragged-stocking) The reformed drunkard who tells his story of deliverance from addiction. ### [The Fatal Pledge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-fatal-pledge) The narrator describes the tragic scene of a man tempted by his bride to break his sobriety. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/characters/unknown_narrator - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/characters