Monday, February 4, 2019
Biography of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882) was an American poet and educator, known for his lyric poetry and his contributions to American literature.
Here is a brief biography of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:
Early Life of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was born on February 27, 1807, in Portland, Maine, USA. He came from a well-established New England family, and his father, Stephen Longfellow, was a prominent lawyer and legislator. Young Longfellow showed an early interest in literature and language, learning multiple languages, including Latin, Greek, French, Spanish, and Italian.
Education:
Longfellow attended Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, where he formed lifelong friendships with Nathaniel Hawthorne and Franklin Pierce, who later became the 14th President of the United States. Longfellow graduated in 1825 and then traveled to Europe to further his studies in modern languages.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Teaching Career:
Upon returning to the United States, Longfellow took up a position as a professor at Bowdoin College, teaching modern languages. In 1831, he married Mary Potter, but tragically, she died in 1835 after suffering a miscarriage. This event deeply affected Longfellow and influenced his poetry.
Literary Career:
Longfellow published his first book of poetry, "Voices of the Night," in 1839, which included the famous poem "A Psalm of Life." He continued to publish works that gained him popularity, including "Ballads and Other Poems" (1841) and "The Belfry of Bruges and Other Poems" (1846).
His most famous work, "The Song of Hiawatha," was published in 1855. This epic poem was inspired by Native American legends and achieved widespread popularity, although it later faced criticism for its romanticized portrayal of Native American culture.
Family Life:
In 1836, Longfellow remarried to Frances Appleton. They had six children together. Tragedy struck again in 1861 when Frances died in a tragic accident. Longfellow's poem "The Cross of Snow," written many years later, reflects his enduring grief for his late wife.
Later Life and Legacy of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow continued to write and publish throughout his life. Some of his other notable works include "The Courtship of Miles Standish" (1858) and "Paul Revere's Ride" (1861).
Longfellow's poetry was widely read, and he became the first American poet to be honored with a bust in the Poet's Corner of Westminster Abbey in London. His ability to blend classical forms with American themes and his skillful use of meter and rhyme contributed to his enduring popularity.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow died on March 24, 1882, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His legacy as a prominent figure in American literature is celebrated, and many of his poems, including "Paul Revere's Ride," "The Village Blacksmith," and "The Song of Hiawatha," are still remembered and studied today.