Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Born into a prominent family on February 27, 1807, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow grew up in the bustling town of Portland, Maine. His parents Stephen and Zilpah Longfellow provided a strong, but refined, Puritan background, while encouraging Henry to excel in academics (Wagenknecht 2). Longfellow’s education began early, when he was enrolled in an “old-fashioned ‘dame’ school” at the age of three (Wagenknecht 4). His schooling continued in 1815 with his entrance into the Portland Academy. At …

…and hopeful mood. He criticizes himself for obvious shift from the dismal tone of its precedents, the final five lines are meant to rouse the spirits of men and end needless remorse. The poet assures his audience that "behind the clouds is the sun still shining," suggesting that suffering will eventually lead to reward (line 12). Longfellow stresses the idea that "into each life some rain must fall,"men must experience sorrow to appreciate joy (line 14).