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Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Research Paper

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Henry Wadsworth Longfellow became one of the most beloved poets because of his exceptional writing skills and has largely impacted America today in many ways. The way in which he presented his style within his writings is unique and remarkable, and the reason why he is widely popular. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was one of America’s most prolific poets of his time, and helped shape American character through his manipulation of the English language. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was born on February 27, 1807 in Portland, Maine to Stephen Longfellow and Zilpah Wadsworth (Gartner). Longfellow was born into a wealthy family of lawyers and was sent to school at the young age of three, preparing him and his brothers for college. (“Henry Wadsworth Longfellow”). By the time he had turned six, he could read and write exceptionally well compared to other children. His …show more content…

Two of these issues include the concept of life as well as youth.
One of Longfellow’s famous poems, A Psalm of Life, includes many distinctive literary devices that he consistently used throughout his works. One device, rhythm, is Longfellow’s signature throughout all of these poems. In A Psalm of Life, the rhyme scheme is presented as a simple ABAB. This can be seen in phrases such as, “Tell me not in mournful numbers...for the soul is dead that slumbers.” (“A Psalm of Life”). Rhyming is a prominent literary device throughout his poems as he did write “lyric poems” which focused on emotions and had songlike qualities.
The legacy and influence of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was not short-lived. In fact, many English teachers teach on his poetry today because they believe it is easier to understand, and more effective at preparing students for understanding complex poetry. Longfellow is also known for the various catchphrases we use today, such as, “footprints on the sands of time”

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