Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Overview

In "Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie," Henry Wadsworth Longfellow weaves an intricate narrative that explores themes of love, loss, and resilience against the backdrop of Acadian expulsion in the 18th century. Written in a lyrical and evocative style reminiscent of epic poetry, Longfellow employs a series of metrical patterns that echo the oral traditions of storytelling. The poem follows the protagonist, Evangeline, in her quest to reunite with her beloved Gabriel, reflecting both the personal struggles of its characters and the broader historical context of displacement and longing experienced by the Acadian people. Longfellow, an esteemed figure in American literature, was deeply influenced by his own cultural heritage and a commitment to preserving the narratives of marginalized communities. His extensive travels through Europe and his scholarly pursuits ignited a fascination with folklore and history, leading to a poignant exploration of the Acadian saga in this work. This blend of personal sentiment and historical awareness showcases Longfellow's capacity to articulate the complexities of human emotion amidst social upheaval. "Evangeline" is a compelling read for anyone interested in the confluence of history and literature, as it not only narrates a mesmerizing tale but also serves as a vital preservation of cultural memory. Longfellow's masterful storytelling invites readers to reflect on themes of hope and endurance, making this classic an essential addition to any literary canon.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9788027343539
Publisher:	e-artnow
Publication date:	07/03/2022
Pages:	44
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.10(d)

About the Author

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) was an American poet. Born in Portland, Maine, Longfellow excelled in reading and writing from a young age, becoming fluent in Latin as an adolescent and publishing his first poem at the age of thirteen. In 1822, Longfellow enrolled at Bowdoin College, where he formed a lifelong friendship with Nathaniel Hawthorne and published poems and stories in local magazines and newspapers. Graduating in 1825, Longfellow was offered a position at Bowdoin as a professor of modern languages before embarking on a journey throughout Europe. He returned home in 1829 to begin teaching and working as the college’s librarian. During this time, he began working as a translator of French, Italian, and Spanish textbooks, eventually publishing a translation of Jorge Manrique, a major Castilian poet of the fifteenth century. In 1836, after a period abroad and the death of his wife Mary, Longfellow accepted a professorship at Harvard, where he taught modern languages while writing the poems that would become Voices of the Night (1839), his debut collection. That same year, Longfellow published Hyperion: A Romance, a novel based partly on his travels and the loss of his wife. In 1843, following a prolonged courtship, Longfellow married Fanny Appleton, with whom he would have six children. That decade proved fortuitous for Longfellow’s life and career, which blossomed with the publication of Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie (1847), an epic poem that earned him a reputation as one of America’s leading writers and allowed him to develop the style that would flourish in The Song of Hiawatha (1855). But tragedy would find him once more. In 1861, an accident led to the death of Fanny and plunged Longfellow into a terrible depression. Although unable to write original poetry for several years after her passing, he began work on the first American translation of Dante’s Divine Comedy and increased his public support of abolitionism. Both steeped in tradition and immensely popular, Longfellow’s poetry continues to be read and revered around the world.

Editorial Reviews

"A national heroine." — The Beaver

From the Publisher