Author: P. H. Pearson

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882) stands as one of the most renowned American poets of the 19th century. His literary career was marked by a refined use of rhythm and meter, and a dedication to crafting poetry that was both accessible and profound. A Harvard graduate and eventually a professor of modern languages at his alma mater, Longfellow was prolific in his output and diverse in his subjects. His work often celebrated American history and mythology, exemplified by “The Courtship of Miles Standish.” In this narrative poem, Longfellow explores themes of love and bravery set against the backdrop of the early Plymouth colony, rendering the love triangle between John Alden, Priscilla Mullins, and Miles Standish with a romanticized yet poignant touch. Longfellow wrote other beloved classics, such as “Evangeline, ” “The Song of Hiawatha, ” and “Paul Revere”s Ride.” His poetry, while sometimes criticized for its sentimentality, was received with immense popularity in his time, evidencing a deep resonance with the ethos and imaginings of his readership. Longfellow”s influence has waned in critical circles over time, but his mastery of lyrical form and his contributions to American cultural identity continue to be celebrated in the canon of American literature.