Biography of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882) was an American poet and educator, renowned for his lyric poetry and contributions to American literature during the 19th century. His works often celebrated American traditions and culture, and he gained widespread popularity both in the United States and abroad.
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| Biography of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow |
Early Life:
1. Birth and Family: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was born on February 27, 1807, in Portland, Maine, in a well-established and respected New England family.
2. Education: He attended Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, where he developed a deep interest in literature and languages. Longfellow graduated in 1825.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s Early Career:
1. Teaching and Travels: After completing his education, Longfellow worked as a professor at Bowdoin College and later at Harvard University. He also traveled extensively through Europe, immersing himself in the study of languages and literature.
2. Marriage and Family: In 1831, Longfellow married Mary Potter. They had six children together. Tragically, Mary died in 1835 during a miscarriage, and Longfellow was deeply affected by the loss.
Literary Career:
1. Poetry: Longfellow’s poetry gained recognition for its accessibility, emotional resonance, and celebration of American themes. His early collections include “Voices of the Night” (1839) and “Ballads and Other Poems” (1841).
2. “The Song of Hiawatha” (1855): One of Longfellow’s most famous works, this epic poem drew inspiration from Native American legends and showcased his ability to adapt and popularize indigenous stories.
3. “The Courtship of Miles Standish” (1858): This narrative poem is set against the backdrop of the Plymouth Colony and explores themes of love and sacrifice.
4. “Paul Revere’s Ride” (1861): Longfellow’s narrative poem about Paul Revere’s midnight ride during the American Revolution became a classic and is widely taught in American literature courses.
5. “The Tales of a Wayside Inn” (1863–1874): This collection includes a series of interconnected poems set in a fictional inn, reflecting Longfellow’s love for storytelling and narrative poetry.
Later Years:
1. Translation: Longfellow was a gifted linguist and translated works from several languages, including Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy.”
2. Retirement: He retired from Harvard in 1854 but continued to write. Despite facing personal tragedies, including the death of his second wife, Frances Appleton Longfellow, in a tragic fire in 1861, Longfellow remained a prominent figure in American literature.
Death of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow died on March 24, 1882, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His contributions to American poetry and literature left a lasting legacy, and his works continue to be celebrated for their beauty, accessibility, and portrayal of American themes.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s impact on American literature and his ability to capture the spirit of his time have earned him a lasting place in literary history.