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Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Biography

  • 1807 – 1882
  • Born in Portland, Massachusetts (now Maine).
  • His father, Stephen Longfellow, was a respected lawyer and congressman.
  • Longfellow was fluent in several languages, including Latin, Greek, French, Italian, and Spanish.
  • He was the first American who translated Dante’s work into English.
  • He also translated other poems from around the world into English.
  • Longfellow was a professor at Harvard.
  • He was the country’s first professional poet.
  • Longfellow was a strong abolitionist and used his writing to advocate for the emancipation of slaves.

 

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Quotes

In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.
It takes less time to do a thing right, than it does to explain why you did it wrong.
The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.
Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.

Notable Works

Longfellow’s works are characterized by their lyrical quality, storytelling ability, and moral messages, and they continue to be widely read and appreciated today.

“Evangeline, A Tale of Acadie” (1847): This epic poem tells the story of Evangeline Bellefontaine and Gabriel Lajeunesse, two young people separated on their wedding day during the Great Upheaval, the British expulsion of the Acadians from what is now modern-day Canada.

“The Song of Hiawatha” (1855): An epic poem that recounts the adventures of Hiawatha, a Native American hero and leader of the Iroquois people.

“Paul Revere’s Ride” (1860): Also known as “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere,” this narrative poem recounts the famous ride of Paul Revere on the eve of the American Revolutionary War.

“The Courtship of Miles Standish” (1858): This narrative poem tells the story of the courtship of John Alden and Priscilla Mullins, as mediated by Captain Miles Standish.

“Tales of a Wayside Inn” (1863): This collection of poems is presented as a group of stories told by a group of people at a tavern in Sudbury, Massachusetts.

“A Psalm of Life” (1838): Known for its inspirational message, “A Psalm of Life” is one of Longfellow’s earliest poems and remains one of his most famous.

“The Village Blacksmith” (1839): This poem is a salute to the dignity of labor, embodied in the figure of a village blacksmith.

“The Wreck of the Hesperus” (1841): This narrative poem tells the tragic story of a ship’s captain who sails his ship into a dangerous reef during a storm.

“Christmas Bells” (1863): Also known as “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” this poem captures the despair and hope of the Civil War era.

“The Divine Comedy” (1867): Longfellow was the first American to translate Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy” into English.

Impact on History

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, one of the most renowned poets in American history, left a significant impact on literature and culture, both within the United States and beyond. Here are some ways he influenced history:

Popularizing American Themes: Longfellow was among the first American writers to use native themes in his work, helping to shape a distinct American identity in literature. His poem “Paul Revere’s Ride,” for example, became part of the American cultural fabric, inspiring patriotism and a sense of national heritage.

Bridging Cultures Through Translation: Longfellow translated numerous foreign works into English, including the first American translation of Dante’s “Divine Comedy.” This opened up these works to English-speaking audiences, fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Influencing Popular Culture: Longfellow’s poems were so popular that they entered the realm of popular culture. Lines from his works were quoted frequently and used in everyday conversation, and his characters became cultural icons.

Promoting Abolitionism: Longfellow was an abolitionist and used his poetry to speak against slavery. His poems “The Witnesses” and “The Quadroon Girl” are poignant examples of his anti-slavery stance.

Inspiring Art and Music: Longfellow’s works have inspired numerous artistic and musical adaptations. For instance, his poem “The Song of Hiawatha” was adapted into cantatas, operas, symphonic poems, and even a ballet.

Educational Impact: His poems have been widely used in educational settings to introduce students to poetry and literature. As such, he has had a lasting impact on generations of students.

Global Reach: Longfellow’s works were translated into numerous languages and enjoyed popularity worldwide. His global reach helped to enhance the standing of American literature on the international stage.

Blog Posts

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Quotes List

Goal Achievement

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The life of a man consists not in seeing visions and in dreaming dreams, but in active charity and in willing service.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Perseverance is a great element of success.
If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
It takes less time to do a thing right, than it does to explain why you did it wrong.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Habits and Habit Tracker

In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow