Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (February 27, 1807 – March 24, 1882) stands as one of America’s most esteemed poets, renowned for his lyricism, storytelling, and translations. His life and work reflect the intellectual and cultural movements of the 19th century, with a legacy that continues to influence American literature.

Early Life and Education

Longfellow was born in Portland, Maine, then part of Massachusetts, to Stephen Longfellow, a prominent lawyer, and Zilpah Wadsworth, the daughter of a Revolutionary War hero. Growing up in a large family of eight children, Longfellow showed early literary promise. He attended Portland Academy, where he excelled in his studies, and later enrolled at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, at the age of 15.

At Bowdoin, Longfellow was a classmate of Nathaniel Hawthorne. He was deeply influenced by the works of Sir Walter Scott and Washington Irving, whose writing shaped his early literary aspirations. Upon graduating in 1825, Longfellow was offered a professorship in modern languages at Bowdoin, contingent upon his further studies in Europe.

European Influence

Longfellow’s initial trip to Europe (1826-1829) profoundly impacted his literary career. He immersed himself in the languages and cultures of France, Spain, Italy, and Germany. This experience enriched his understanding of European literature and inspired his lifelong passion for translation. Upon returning to the United States, Longfellow began his teaching career at Bowdoin College, where he introduced modern language studies, a relatively new field at the time.

Academic and Literary Career

In 1834, Longfellow was appointed to the Smith Professorship of Modern Languages at Harvard College. This position required another European sojourn, during which he expanded his studies to include Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, and Icelandic. However, this trip was marked by personal tragedy. His first wife, Mary Storer Potter, whom he had married in 1831, died in 1835 following a miscarriage.

Longfellow returned to the United States deeply affected by his loss. He threw himself into his work, writing textbooks for his students and publishing his first book, “Outre-Mer: A Pilgrimage Beyond the Sea” (1835), a collection of travel sketches inspired by his European experiences. His first poetry collection, “Voices of the Night” (1839), included both translations and original works, marking his emergence as a significant literary figure.

Major Works and Themes

Longfellow’s poetry is known for its accessibility, musical quality, and themes drawn from American history, legend, and his personal life. Some of his most famous works include:

• “Evangeline” (1847): This epic poem tells the story of an Acadian girl’s search for her lost love, set against the backdrop of the Great Expulsion of the Acadians from Nova Scotia. The poem’s themes of love, loss, and perseverance resonated with readers and solidified Longfellow’s reputation.
• “The Song of Hiawatha” (1855): This long narrative poem draws on Native American legends and cultural traditions, focusing on the heroic figure of Hiawatha. While it was praised for its rhythmic and lyrical qualities, it also sparked controversy for its romanticized portrayal of indigenous cultures.
• “The Courtship of Miles Standish” (1858): This narrative poem blends historical fact with fiction, recounting a love triangle among early Pilgrim settlers. It was widely popular and added to Longfellow’s acclaim.
• “Paul Revere’s Ride” (1860): This poem, part of the collection “Tales of a Wayside Inn,” is a dramatic recounting of the American patriot‘s midnight ride during the Revolutionary War. It has become one of Longfellow’s most enduring works, often recited in schools.

Personal Life and Later Years

In 1843, Longfellow married Frances Appleton after a prolonged courtship. They had six children together and lived in Craigie House, Cambridge, Massachusetts, which had served as George Washington’s headquarters during the Revolutionary War. This historic home became a gathering place for literary and cultural figures of the time.

Tragedy struck again in 1861 when Frances died from burns sustained in an accidental fire. Longfellow’s grief was profound, and he expressed his sorrow through his poetry, notably in the collection “In the Harbor.” Seeking solace, he focused on translating works from foreign languages, including a highly regarded translation of Dante Alighieri‘s “Divine Comedy.”

Longfellow’s later years were marked by continued literary success and public acclaim. He published several more collections, including “Household Poems” (1865) and “The Masque of Pandora” (1875). His works were widely read both in the United States and abroad, and he became the most popular American poet of his time.

Legacy and Criticism

Longfellow’s contributions to American literature are substantial. He was a master of narrative verse, creating works that were both entertaining and educational. His ability to capture the American spirit and his emphasis on themes of love, morality, and perseverance endeared him to readers.

However, Longfellow has also faced criticism. Some scholars argue that his work is overly sentimental and that his imitations of European literary styles lack originality. Additionally, his portrayals of Native American culture and other historical subjects have been scrutinized for their romanticized and sometimes inaccurate depictions.

Despite these critiques, Longfellow’s influence on American poetry is undeniable. He paved the way for future poets by demonstrating that American life and history could provide rich material for literary exploration. His emphasis on clear, musical language helped to make poetry accessible to a broad audience.

Questions and Answers about Henry Wadsworth Fellow

What are two of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s most famous works?

“The Song of Hiawatha” (1855) and “Paul Revere’s Ride.”

When and where was Henry Wadsworth Longfellow born?

February 27, 1807, in Portland, Maine.

Who were Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s parents?

His mother was Zilpah Wadsworth, and his father was Stephen Longfellow, a well-known attorney who eventually served in Congress.

Which college did Longfellow attend, and what literary works influenced him there?

He attended Bowdoin College in Maine and was influenced by Sir Walter Scott’s novels and Washington Irving’s “Sketch Book.”

What languages did Longfellow study in Europe?

French, Spanish, Italian, German, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, and Icelandic.

What happened to Longfellow’s first wife, Mary Storer Potter?

She miscarried and subsequently died in 1835 while they were traveling in Europe.

Who was Longfellow’s second wife, and how many children did they have together?

His second wife was Frances Appleton, and they had six children together.

What was the title of Longfellow’s first book of poetry, and when was it published?

“Voices of the Night,” published in 1839.

What significant poem did Longfellow publish in 1847, and what was its impact?

He published “Evangeline,” an epic poem that became widely read in American homes.

What tragic event occurred to Longfellow’s second wife, Frances, in 1861?

She died from injuries sustained when her dress caught fire while sealing an envelope with wax.

Which major literary work did Longfellow translate, making him the first American to do so?

Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy.”

When did Longfellow pass away, and what was his estimated estate value at the time of his death?

He passed away on March 24, 1882, and his estate was worth over $350,000.

What is significant about Longfellow’s “The Courtship of Miles Standish” published in 1858?

It was a successful publication after his retirement from teaching.

Which influential figures admired Longfellow’s writing?

Figures like Queen Victoria, Walt Whitman, and Oscar Wilde admired his writing.