Longfellow vs. Thoreau

Attribute	Longfellow	Thoreau
Occupation	Poet	Writer, Philosopher
Writing Style	Lyric poetry, narrative poetry	Essays, non-fiction
Themes	Love, nature, history	Nature, simplicity, individualism
Education	Harvard University	Harvard University
Location	Maine, Massachusetts	Massachusetts

Background

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Henry David Thoreau were two prominent American writers who lived during the 19th century. Longfellow was known for his poetry, while Thoreau was famous for his essays and works on nature and philosophy. Despite their different writing styles and subject matters, both authors made significant contributions to American literature.

Writing Style

Longfellow's writing style was characterized by its lyrical and romantic nature. His poems often focused on themes of love, nature, and history, and were written in a traditional, formal style. In contrast, Thoreau's writing was more philosophical and introspective. He used a more direct and straightforward style in his essays, often incorporating personal anecdotes and observations from his time spent in nature.

Subject Matter

Longfellow's poetry often explored themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. He drew inspiration from both American and European history, as well as from his own personal experiences. Thoreau, on the other hand, focused on themes of nature, simplicity, and self-reliance. His works often reflected his belief in the importance of living in harmony with the natural world and finding meaning in the simplicity of everyday life.

Impact

Longfellow was one of the most popular and widely read poets of his time. His poems, such as "Paul Revere's Ride" and "The Song of Hiawatha," were beloved by readers for their storytelling and emotional depth. Thoreau, on the other hand, was more of a cult figure during his lifetime. It was only after his death that his works, particularly "Walden" and "Civil Disobedience," gained widespread recognition and influence.

Legacy

Longfellow's legacy as a poet has endured over the years, with many of his poems still being studied and appreciated today. His influence can be seen in the works of later American poets, such as Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson. Thoreau's legacy, on the other hand, lies more in his role as a philosopher and environmentalist. His ideas on civil disobedience and the importance of nature have inspired generations of activists and environmentalists.

Personal Life

Longfellow led a relatively quiet and conventional life, working as a professor at Harvard University and raising a family. He was known for his warm and friendly personality, and was well-liked by his peers and students. Thoreau, on the other hand, was more of a recluse and a nonconformist. He lived alone in a cabin near Walden Pond for two years, seeking solitude and simplicity in his daily life.

Conclusion

While Longfellow and Thoreau were both important figures in American literature, they had very different writing styles, subject matters, and personal lives. Longfellow's romantic poetry and focus on history contrasted with Thoreau's philosophical essays and love of nature. Despite these differences, both authors left a lasting impact on American literature and continue to be studied and appreciated today.