
Longfellow
The poem portrays a romanticized view of the American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's life and work. It highlights his literary achievements and personal struggles, emphasizing his dedication to his craft and his role in shaping American literature. The poem also touches on his relationships with family and friends, particularly his wife Mary and his children.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1860 · Genre: Poetry, Biography, Literary Tribute · 202 words
First lines
Written to the chairman of the committee of arrangements for unveiling the bust of Longfellow at Portland, Maine, on the poet's birthday, February 27, 1885.
I am sorry it is not in my power to accept the invitation of the committee to be present at the unveiling of the bust of Longfellow on the 27th instant, or to write anything worthy of the occasion in metrical form.
What this Textopian page supports
Longfellow is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1860 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1860 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Biography, Literary Tribute, Historical, Cultural Commentary
- Length: 202 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Longfellow by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Longfellow?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in a poetic form, reflecting the themes and style typical of poetry.
- Biography — The content focuses on the life and contributions of Longfellow, providing biographical context.
- Literary Tribute — The piece serves as a tribute to Longfellow, celebrating his legacy and impact on literature.
- Historical — The work references historical events and figures, situating Longfellow within a specific cultural and temporal context.
Tags
Biography · Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Autobiographical · Historical Figure · Literary Criticism · Memoir · Non-Fiction · Patriotism · Politics · Social Commentary
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