Influential leaders in the world of publishing, law, education, medicine, and social reform, the New England poets of the mid-19th century developed a popular audience and extended America's literary confidence.  At the same time, writers like James Russell Lowell turned their talents to social issues--slavery, the United States incursion into Mexico--for heavy satire and criticism, agitating for political and social change. 

Readings  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow  "A Psalm of Life," "The Arsenal at Springfield," "The Song of Hiawatha"  .  John Greenleaf Whittier  "Massachusetts to Virginia," "Icabod," "Laus Deo"  .  Oliver Wendell Holmes  "Old Ironsides," "The Chambered Nautilus"  .  James Russell Lowell  From "The Bigelow Papers: First Series," "From The Bigelow Papers, Second Series: "The Courtin'"  .  Study Guide for Week 11  Online Resources  Writing Assignment  Complete Exercise 4  previous week / next week

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow American Poet