Mattessich 1John M. MattessichM. GentryA.P. English LitApril 7, 2014Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - A monumental cultural figure of the American 19th century Over the years of research and study of various American literature and poetry, only one name comes to mind. This is, of course, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, one of the best-known and most beloved American poets of his time. Longfellow not only influenced generations of readers, his writings also had a significant impact on my life. It is in Longfellow's distinctive writing style and realistic themes that his poems express joy, optimism and capture the goodness of life. Longfellow felt it was his calling to encourage others through his literacy skills. It was said of his audience that, in times of confusion and despair, he was able to provide a ray of light and a sense of dignity. Longfellow aspired to be a man of integrity, a man who wrote poetry to inspire his readers to also aim for that goal. By studying Longfellow's biography and analyzing his famous poem "A Psalm of Life", he left a fundamental imprint on me as an individual and helped inform my perspective on life and the world in which I screw. On January 27, 1807, the great poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was born in Portland, Maine. Longfellow was the second son of eight siblings. His mother, Zilpah Wadsworth, was the Mattessich 2 daughter of a Revolutionary War hero, and his father, Stephen Longfellow, was a Portland lawyer who later became a congressman. Longfellow was an extremely bright student. By the age of six, he could read, spell, do mathematics, and knew Latin grammar ("Beck"). Longfellow, although academically advanced, suffered from f...... middle of paper ...... encouraging his audience. His life painted a picture that he would use to motivate his readers. It was full of tragedy, but he didn't dwell on it for too long. Longfellow published poetry as a means of therapy for himself and others. He was extremely talented both academically and artistically. He was able to use his gifts to transform a nation in a time of great need. Little did he know that he would become one of the most enduring poets of his time. His poems are timeless. They focus on values ​​that are still relevant in today's culture. Longfellow strove to be a man of integrity. He encouraged his readers to do the same. He urged people to preserve with courage and seize the moment. He asked them to keep their eyes fixed on God, never giving up. Longfellow instilled moral and ethical principles that will stay with his readers for eternity..