# American Poets explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by James McIntyre.

## What happens

This chapter celebrates a variety of American poets, praising their distinctive styles and contributions. It highlights Longfellow's melodious and moral verses, Poe's enchanting and mysterious works, and others like Lowell, Bryant, Whittier, Saxe, Will Carleton, Millar, Holmes, and Walt Whitman, each recognized for their unique voice and impact on literature.

## Themes in this chapter

### Moral Lessons and Domestic Virtue

Longfellow's 'Psalm of Life' and the moral reflections on selfish strife exemplify this theme.

### Cultural Heritage and Immigrant Identity

The celebration of American poets from diverse backgrounds underscores a shared cultural heritage.

## Character check-ins

### Longfellow

Praised for his sweet and luscious poetry, including 'Psalm of Life', 'Hiawatha', and 'Evangeline'.

### Edgar Allan Poe

Described as a great enchanter with harmonious bells, mysterious raven, and entrancing romances.

### Will Carleton

Recognized for his farming songs with a manly ring, sung with hearty praise.

### Walt Whitman

Noted for his erratic style and his compassionate work during the Civil War, tending to wounded soldiers.

### Saxe

Appreciated for his humor that cheers the mind, akin to Tom Hood.

### Hugh Millar

Mentioned as poet of the Sierras, now honored in California as Commissioner of Forest Land.

## Key lines

> Like fruit that’s large and ripe and mellow, Sweet and luscious is Longfellow

Longfellow's poetry is compared to ripe, sweet fruit, indicating its richness and appeal.

_Metaphor for the pleasing quality of Longfellow's verse._

> He shows in his Psalm of Life The folly of our selfish strife

In 'Psalm of Life', Longfellow reveals the foolishness of selfish conflict.

_Moral lesson from Longfellow's work._

> A great enchanter too is Poe, His bells do so harmonious flow

Poe is a magical poet whose poem 'The Bells' has a harmonious rhythm.

_Praise for Poe's musicality and enchantment._

> He done grand work in civil war, For he did dress many a scar, And kindly wet the hot parched mouth Of Northern soldiers wounded South.

Walt Whitman performed noble service during the Civil War, tending to the wounds and thirst of Northern soldiers.

_Recognition of Whitman's humanitarian efforts._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters/american-poets
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters