Evangeline
The poem tells the story of a young woman named Evangeline who lives in Acadia during the French and Indian War. She falls in love with Gabriel, but they are separated when he joins the British army and she remains behind to care for her mother. Evangeline searches for Gabriel throughout the war-torn region, but is unable to find him. After the war, she returns to their home, only to discover that it has been destroyed and that Gabriel's family has moved away. The poem follows Evangeline as she continues to search for Gabriel, facing various challenges and hardships along the way. Ultimately, she finds a clue that leads her to believe Gabriel may still be alive, but she is too late to find him before he dies of old age. The poem explores themes of love, loss, and longing, and is known for its beautiful language and vivid imagery.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1847 · Genre: Narrative Poetry, Historical Fiction, Romanticism · 2,519 words
First lines
A review of Mr. Longfellow's poem.
What this Textopian page supports
Evangeline is listed on Textopian as a novel by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1847 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1847 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Narrative Poetry, Historical Fiction, Romanticism, Tragedy, Pastoral
- Length: 2,519 words
- Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Evangeline by John Greenleaf Whittier
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Evangeline?
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Genres
- Narrative Poetry — The work is primarily a narrative poem that tells a story through verse, focusing on the themes of love and loss.
- Historical Fiction — It is set against the backdrop of a significant historical event, the expulsion of the Acadians, blending factual history with fictional elements.
- Romanticism — The poem embodies Romantic ideals, emphasizing emotion, nature, and individual experience, particularly through the character of Evangeline.
- Tragedy — The themes of suffering, separation, and unfulfilled love contribute to a tragic narrative arc.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Romance · Poetry · Narrative Verse · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Acadian Exile · Love Story · Tragic Love · Loss of Innocence · Coming of Age · Social Commentary