Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: America's Beloved Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, born on February 27, 1807, in Portland, Maine, emerged as one of the most celebrated and influential American poets of the 19th century. His life spanned a period of significant change in American history, from the early days of the republic to the aftermath of the Civil War, and his works reflected and helped shape the cultural identity of a growing nation. Early Life and Education Longfellow was born into a prominent New England family. His father, Stephen Longfellow, was a lawyer and U.S. congressman, while his mother, Zilpah Wadsworth Longfellow, came from a military family. Growing up in Portland, young Henry was exposed to a rich cultural environment that fostered his early love for literature and languages. From an early age, Longfellow showed a remarkable aptitude for language and writing. He began composing poetry at the age of thirteen and published his first poem, "The Battle of Lovell's Pond," in the Portland Gazette in 1820. This early success fueled his passion for literature and set him on the path to becoming one of America's most beloved poets. Longfellow's formal education began at Portland Academy, where he excelled in his studies. In 1822, at the age of fifteen, he enrolled at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. During his time at Bowdoin, Longfellow's literary talents flourished. He continued to write and publish poetry, and his academic performance was outstanding. He graduated in 1825, ranking fourth in his class. Early Career and European Travels Upon graduation, Longfellow was offered a position as a professor of modern languages at Bowdoin College. However, before taking up the post, he embarked on a three-year tour of Europe to further his language studies. This journey would prove transformative for the young poet, exposing him to the rich cultural heritage of Europe and deepening his understanding of European literature and languages. Longfellow's European sojourn took him to France, Spain, Italy, and Germany. He immersed himself in the study of Romance languages, becoming fluent in French, Spanish, and Italian. This linguistic prowess would later influence his poetry and his work as a translator. During his travels, he also met many prominent literary figures, including Washington Irving, who became a lifelong friend and mentor. Returning to the United States in 1829, Longfellow took up his position at Bowdoin College. He threw himself into his teaching duties with enthusiasm, while continuing to write and translate. In 1831, he published his first book, a translation of medieval Spanish ballads titled "Coplas de Don Jorge Manrique." This was followed by his first original work, "Outre-Mer: A Pilgrimage Beyond the Sea" (1835), a prose account of his European travels. Harvard Years and Literary Acclaim In 1834, Longfellow was offered a position as the Smith Professor of Modern Languages at Harvard University. Before assuming this role, he embarked on another European tour to further his studies in German and Scandinavian languages. It was during this trip that tragedy struck: Longfellow's first wife, Mary Potter, whom he had married in 1831, died in Rotterdam after suffering a miscarriage. Grief-stricken, Longfellow returned to the United States and took up his position at Harvard in 1836. Despite his personal loss, he threw himself into his work, both as a professor and as a writer. It was during his Harvard years that Longfellow's literary career truly took off. In 1839, he published "Voices of the Night," his first collection of original poetry. The book was an immediate success and established Longfellow as a major American poet. It included some of his most famous early works, such as "A Psalm of Life" and "The Light of Stars." Longfellow's popularity continued to grow with the publication of subsequent collections, including "Ballads and Other Poems" (1841) and "Poems on Slavery" (1842). His poetry resonated with a wide audience, combining romantic sensibilities with accessible language and themes that spoke to the American experience. Personal Life and Tragedy In 1843, Longfellow married Frances "Fanny" Appleton, the daughter of a wealthy Boston industrialist. Their marriage was a happy one, and they had six children together. Longfellow's home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, became a center of literary and cultural activity, hosting many prominent figures of the day. However, tragedy struck again in 1861 when Fanny died in a horrific accident. While sealing an envelope with hot wax, her dress caught fire, and she suffered severe burns. Longfellow attempted to save her, badly burning his own face in the process. Fanny died the next day, and Longfellow was left devastated. He grew his trademark beard to hide the scars from his burns and never fully recovered from the loss. Major Works and Literary Legacy Despite personal tragedies, Longfellow's literary output remained prolific. Some of his most famous works were produced during this period, including: "Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie" (1847): This narrative poem tells the story of an Acadian girl searching for her lost love during the expulsion of the Acadians. It became one of Longfellow's most popular works and helped establish his reputation as a master of narrative poetry. "The Song of Hiawatha" (1855): Perhaps Longfellow's most famous work, this epic poem draws on Native American legends to create a mythical narrative of prehistoric America. While its portrayal of Native American culture has been criticized in modern times, the poem was hugely popular in its day and remains a significant part of American literary heritage. "The Courtship of Miles Standish" (1858): This narrative poem set in colonial America tells a romantic story of the Pilgrims, blending history and fiction in a way that appealed to 19th-century readers. "Tales of a Wayside Inn" (1863): This collection of narrative poems, framed as stories told by travelers at an inn, includes the famous "Paul Revere's Ride," which cemented the story of Revere's midnight ride in the American popular imagination. "The New England Tragedies" (1868): This work, consisting of two plays in verse, dealt with dark chapters in New England history, including the Salem witch trials. Longfellow's poetry was characterized by its accessibility, musicality, and focus on American themes and history. He had a gift for narrative and often drew on historical events or folk legends for his subject matter. His work played a significant role in shaping American cultural identity in the 19th century, providing a shared literary heritage for a young nation. In addition to his original works, Longfellow was also a prolific translator. His translation of Dante's "Divine Comedy" (1867) was particularly noteworthy, introducing many English-speaking readers to this masterpiece of world literature. Later Years and Legacy In his later years, Longfellow continued to write and remained a beloved figure in American letters. He received numerous honors, including honorary degrees from Oxford and Cambridge universities. In 1868, he made his final trip to Europe, where he was received with great acclaim, even meeting Queen Victoria. Longfellow's last major work, "Keramos and Other Poems," was published in 1878. He died on March 24, 1882, at the age of 75, leaving behind a rich literary legacy. At the time of his death, Longfellow was undoubtedly the most popular poet in America and enjoyed considerable fame in Europe as well. His works were widely read and memorized, and he had succeeded in creating a distinctly American poetic voice that resonated with a broad audience. Longfellow's influence on American culture extended far beyond his own lifetime. His poems were set to music, adapted for stage and screen, and became part of the fabric of American cultural literacy. Places and characters from his poems, such as the village blacksmith or Hiawatha, became iconic American images. However, Longfellow's reputation among critics began to decline in the 20th century. Modernist poets and critics often dismissed his work as overly sentimental and lacking in depth. Despite this critical reassessment, Longfellow's popular appeal has endured. His accessible style, storytelling abilities, and engagement with American history and folklore continue to resonate with readers. In recent years, there has been renewed scholarly interest in Longfellow's work, with critics reevaluating his contributions to American literature. His role in shaping American cultural identity, his engagement with world literature through translation, and his skillful use of meter and narrative have all been subjects of renewed appreciation. Today, Longfellow is remembered not only as a poet but as a cultural figure who helped define 19th-century American literature. His home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is now a National Historic Site, preserving the legacy of a man who, through his words, helped shape the American imagination. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's life and work spanned a crucial period in American history. From the early days of the republic to the aftermath of the Civil War, his poetry reflected and helped shape the cultural identity of a growing nation. Through his accessible yet profound verses, his engagement with American history and folklore, and his translations of world literature, Longfellow left an indelible mark on American letters. While critical opinions of his work have fluctuated over time, his place in the pantheon of American poets remains secure. His words continue to echo through American culture, a testament to the enduring power of his poetic vision. Thanks for listening and remember to like and share wherever you get your podcasts.