Longfellow by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a past era. It describes a scene where a group of people are gathered around a fire, listening to an old man recite poetry from Longfellow's works. The speaker reflects on how the world has changed since those times and how the beauty of nature is still present but often overlooked in modern life.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Romanticism · 168 words
First lines
The winds have talked with him confidingly; The trees have whispered to him; and the night Hath held him gently as a mother might, And taught him all sad tones of melody: The mountains have bowed to him; and the sea, In clamorous waves, and murmurs exquisite, Hath told him all her sorrow and delight -- Her legends fair -- her darkest mystery.
His verse blooms like a flower, night and day; Bees cluster round his rhymes; and twitterings Of lark and swallow, in an endless May, Are mingling with the tender songs he sings. -- Nor shall he cease to sing -- in every lay Of Nature's voice he sings -- and will alway.
What this Textopian page supports
Longfellow is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1883 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature, Romanticism, Mysticism
- Length: 168 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Nature — The themes and imagery are heavily centered around elements of nature, such as winds, trees, night, mountains, and the sea.
- Romanticism — The work emphasizes emotion, nature, and individualism, aligning with Romantic literary themes.
- Mysticism — References to the sea's 'darkest mystery' and the personification of nature suggest a mystical interpretation of the natural world.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · 19th Century · Nature Poetry · Symbolism · Imagery · Romanticism · Regionalism · Midwestern · Autobiographical Elements · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery