Looking Up to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) in Longfellow House said, “Life is real! Life is earnest! And the grave is not its goal; Dust thou art to dust returnest, was not spoken of the soil. Not enjoyment, and not to sorrow, Is our destined end or way; But to act, that each tomorrow find us farther than today.” ( Longfellow House Washington Headquarters 1) This means that life is something special to look forward to, death is not what we live for. We should live for tomorrow for the better. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was an important figure in American History because he wrote poetry that influenced and also inspired many people in different ways during the 1900’s till today. He overcame a few obstacles to get to where he got himself during his lifetime. Even when he went through the worst, he made more effort to better his poetry and attending college. Longfellow is really someone to look up to because of that.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was born in Portland, Maine. Henry’s date of birth was on February 27, 1807. Henry’s parents were Stephen and Zilpah Wadsworth Longfellow. He was the second child born out of seven children. Henry’s father was a lawyer and also a congressman. Henry was a descendent from the Longfellow family who arrived to America from Otley, Yorkshire, England. His family beliefs were Unitarian. Longfellow was enrolled in a “dame school” from the age of three to the age of six. Henry entered Portland Academy and was able t read and write very well. Henry stayed in Portland Academy until he was fourteen, and began attending Bowdoin College, which is located in Brunswick, Maine. Henry, being only the age of nineteen, graduated fourth in a class of thirty eight students. During Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s time a...

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...rities gathered all around him. Longfellow was awarded with an L.L.D by Cambridge, and Oxford awarded him with an honorary D.C.L. Henry later started feeling pain. In 1882, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow then passed away. Henry was said to be “A sweet, beautiful soul” by Ralph Waldo Emerson. (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 2) Henry was a very strong man, mentally. He put up and went through so much. Even after both his wives died tragically he managed through it. He took out his depression by putting it to good use which are his poems. He changed poetry by being realistic and emotional. Even till today Henry’s poetry is still remembered.

Works Cited

Matthew Gartner. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. December 2, 2002. Web. January 8, 2014.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow- Biography. Web. January 10, 2014.
New World Encyclopedia. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Web. January 8, 2014.

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