Definition

Proper noun * Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: A 19th-century American poet, widely popular for his lyrical and often narrative poetry. He is best known for works that drew on history, legend, and European literary traditions, making them accessible to a broad audience.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • We studied several poems by Longfellow in our American literature class.
  • The village named the new library after the poet Longfellow.
  • "Paul Revere's Ride" is one of Longfellow's most famous narrative poems.

Advanced Usage

• "Longfellow-esque" (adjective): Describing something reminiscent of or in the style of Longfellow's poetry, particularly its rhythmic, narrative, or moralistic qualities.
  • The poet's simple meter and historical theme gave the verse a Longfellow-esque feel.

Variants and Related Words

• Longfellowan (adjective): Pertaining to or characteristic of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow or his works.
  • The scholar specialized in Longfellowan studies.

Synonyms

• The Poet of the Common School: A historical epithet highlighting his role in 19th-century American education.
• The Fireside Poet: A term grouping Longfellow with other popular 19th-century American poets (like Whittier, Holmes, Lowell) whose works were often read aloud at home.

Noun

1. United States poet remembered for his long narrative poems (1807-1882)