The Song of Hiawatha

Definition

The Song of Hiawatha is an epic poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, published in 1855. It tells the story of the legendary Native American hero Hiawatha and explores themes of nature, spirituality, and the relationship between man and the environment, which are key elements of the American Romantic Movement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Longfellow drew inspiration for The Song of Hiawatha from Native American legends, particularly from the Ojibwe and other tribes in North America.
2. The poem is written in trochaic tetrameter, which contributes to its rhythmic and musical quality, making it distinct from other forms of poetry at the time.
3. Hiawatha is portrayed as a peacemaker who brings together various tribes and teaches them important lessons about living in harmony with nature.
4. The work reflects the American Romantic Movement's fascination with nature, emphasizing its beauty and power while also exploring humanity's connection to it.
5. Longfellow's portrayal of Native Americans sparked both admiration for their culture and criticism for oversimplifying their complexities and experiences.

Review Questions

• How does The Song of Hiawatha reflect the themes commonly found in Romantic literature?
  • The Song of Hiawatha embodies key themes of Romantic literature by emphasizing emotion, nature, and spirituality. Longfellow's portrayal of Hiawatha as a hero connected to nature aligns with the Romantic ideal that celebrates individual experiences and emotions. The poem's vivid imagery and rhythmic structure evoke feelings of awe and appreciation for the natural world, showcasing a deep reverence for both nature and human experience.
• Discuss how Longfellow's representation of Native American culture in The Song of Hiawatha contributes to or challenges stereotypes about indigenous peoples during the 19th century.
  • In The Song of Hiawatha, Longfellow presents a romanticized view of Native American culture, portraying Hiawatha as a noble hero who embodies wisdom and harmony with nature. While this portrayal can inspire admiration for indigenous cultures, it also risks perpetuating stereotypes by oversimplifying their complexities and reducing their rich traditions to mere narratives. Longfellow’s work reflects 19th-century views that often romanticized or idealized Native Americans while failing to capture the diversity and struggles faced by these communities.
• Evaluate the impact The Song of Hiawatha had on American literature and its role in shaping perceptions of Native American identity in relation to the American Romantic Movement.
  • The Song of Hiawatha significantly influenced American literature by popularizing themes related to Native American identity within the context of the Romantic Movement. Longfellow's work sparked interest in indigenous myths and legends, leading to a growing fascination with Native American culture among white Americans. This created a complex legacy where Hiawatha became a symbol for both cultural appreciation and misunderstanding, ultimately shaping perceptions that straddled admiration and simplification, impacting how Native American identity was viewed in subsequent literary works.

Related terms

Romanticism:

A cultural movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature, reacting against the industrialization and rationalism of the Enlightenment.

Native American Mythology: The body of traditional stories and beliefs that reflect the values, spiritual beliefs, and cultural practices of various Native American tribes.

Epic Poetry: A lengthy narrative poem that often involves heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation, often featuring a protagonist who embodies the values of that society.