Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Definition

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was an influential American poet and educator, known for his lyrical poetry and narrative verse. His works often reflected themes of American identity, nature, and the human experience, contributing significantly to the popularization of poetry in 19th-century America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Longfellow was the first American to translate Dante Alighieri's 'Divine Comedy,' bringing Italian literature to a wider American audience.
2. He published several notable works during his lifetime, including 'Evangeline,' 'The Courtship of Miles Standish,' and 'The Village Blacksmith.'
3. Longfellow's poems were often set to music and became popular as songs during his time, reflecting their lyrical quality.
4. He played a key role in establishing the importance of poetry in American culture and was a member of the Fireside Poets, a group that included other prominent poets like James Russell Lowell and Oliver Wendell Holmes.
5. Longfellow's writing style was characterized by its accessibility and use of vivid imagery, making his work appealing to both scholarly and general audiences.

Review Questions

• How did Longfellow's background influence his poetry and thematic choices?
  • Longfellow's upbringing in a cultured New England family, along with his education at Bowdoin College, shaped his literary career and thematic choices. His experiences studying abroad, particularly in Europe, exposed him to different literary traditions that influenced his style. Themes of American identity, nature, and the human experience often reflected his belief in the importance of cultural heritage and moral values.
• Analyze how 'The Song of Hiawatha' reflects Longfellow's views on Native American culture and identity.
  • 'The Song of Hiawatha' presents a romanticized vision of Native American life while attempting to honor their culture through its narrative structure and incorporation of folklore. Longfellow sought to portray Native Americans positively, emphasizing their connection to nature and spirituality. However, this portrayal also raises questions about cultural representation and the accuracy of Longfellow's depiction in light of historical realities.
• Evaluate the impact of Longfellow’s work on American literature and culture in the 19th century.
  • Longfellow significantly shaped American literature by making poetry accessible to a broad audience through his clear language and relatable themes. His popularity helped legitimize poetry as a form of serious art in America, paving the way for future poets. The widespread appeal of his works contributed to a growing national identity during a period of social change, as people sought connection through shared cultural narratives in poetry that celebrated both individual experience and collective heritage.

Related terms

The Song of Hiawatha: A narrative poem by Longfellow that tells the story of the Native American hero Hiawatha, blending elements of folklore and mythology.

Evangelical Poetry: A style of poetry that focuses on themes of spirituality and morality, often reflecting the religious sentiments of the time; Longfellow's work is sometimes associated with this movement.

A Psalm of Life: One of Longfellow's most famous poems, which encourages readers to live life to the fullest and make a positive impact on the world.