Analysis Of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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Mattessich 1
John M. Mattessich
Mr. Gentry
A.P. English Lit
7 April 2014

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow- A monumental cultural figure of America’s nineteenth century
Through years of research and studies of various American literature and poetry only one name comes to mind. That of course, is Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, one of the most widely known and best-loved American poets of his time. Longfellow has not only influenced generations of readers, his writings have had a significant impact on my life as well. It is in Longfellow’s distinctive writing style and realistic themes in which his poems express joy, optimism and capture the goodness of life. Longfellow felt it was his calling to encourage others through his literacy talents. It has been said of his audience that in times of confusion and despair he was able to provide a ray of light and sense of worthiness. Longfellow aspired to be a man of integrity, a man who wrote poetry to inspire his readers to aim for that goal as well. In studying Longfellow’s biography and analyzing his famous poem, “A Psalm of Life,” he has left a foundational imprint on me as an individual and helped to shed light on my perspective on life and the world in which I live in.
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
On February 27, 1807 in Portland, Maine, the great poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was born. Longfellow was the second son of eight siblings. His mother, Zilpah Wadsworth, was the
Mattessich 2 daughter of a Revolutionary War hero and his father, Stephen Longfellow, was a lawyer of Portland who later became a member of Congress. Longfellow was an extremely brilliant student. By the age of six he could read, spell, do math, and knew Latin grammar (“Beck”).
Longfellow although academically advanced, suffered f...

... middle of paper ...

...uraging his audience. His life painted a picture that he would use to motivate his readers. It was full of tragedy, but he did not dwell too long on it. Longfellow published poetry as a means of therapy for himself and others. He was extremely talented in both academics and the arts. He was able to use his gifts to transform a nation in a time of great need. Little did he know he would become one of the most endured poets of his time. His poems are timeless. They are focused on values that are still relevant to today’s culture. Longfellow strived to be a man of integrity. He encouraged his readers to do the same. He urged people to preserver with courage and to seize the present day. He desired them to

Mattessich 7 keep their eyes focused on God, never giving up. Longfellow has instilled moral and ethical principles that will remain with his readers for eternity.

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