The Song of Hiawatha is a narrative poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, inspired by the legends and folklore of the Native Americans. The poem’s protagonist is Hiawatha, a legendary Native American hero, and it features other notable characters such as Minnehaha, his beloved wife, and Nokomis, his grandmother. The poem’s setting is the North American wilderness, and it depicts the traditions and beliefs of the Native American tribes that inhabited the region.
The Structure of the Song of Hiawatha
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s epic poem, The Song of Hiawatha, is a narrative poem that tells the story of the legendary Native American hero, Hiawatha. The poem is written in a unique meter that Longfellow created, which is based on the rhythm of Native American drumming. The poem is also notable for its use of repetition and parallelism, which creates a sense of rhythm and flow.
Meter
The Song of Hiawatha is written in a trochaic tetrameter, which means that each line has four trochees. A trochee is a metrical foot that consists of a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed syllable. The poem’s meter can be illustrated by the following line:
On the birch-canoe for sail / With my paddles of the oak
Each line of the poem consists of four trochees, and the stressed syllables are highlighted in bold.
Repetition and Parallelism
Longfellow uses repetition and parallelism throughout the poem to create a sense of rhythm and flow. For example, the following lines repeat the same basic structure:
By the shores of Gitche Gumee, / By the shining Big-Sea-Water
In the North, the land of snow and ice, / Where the Falls of Minnehaha / Flash and gleam among the oak-trees
The repetition of the phrase “By the shores of Gitche Gumee” and the parallel structure of the two lines create a sense of rhythm and momentum.
Structure
The Song of Hiawatha is divided into twenty-two cantos, which are each named after a different character or event in the poem. The cantos are further divided into smaller sections, which are called “measures.” The poem’s structure can be illustrated by the following table:
| Canto | Measures |
|---|---|
| I. The Introduction | 1-20 |
| II. The Four Winds | 21-40 |
| III. Hiawatha’s Childhood | 41-60 |
| IV. Hiawatha’s Wooing | 61-80 |
| V. Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast | 81-100 |
| VI. Hiawatha’s Canoe | 101-120 |
| VII. Hiawatha’s Hunting | 121-140 |
| VIII. Hiawatha and the Pearl-Feather | 141-160 |
| IX. Hiawatha’s Fasting | 161-180 |
| X. Hiawatha’s Friendship | 181-200 |
| XI. Hiawatha’s Sailing | 201-220 |
| XII. The Death of Minnehaha | 221-240 |
| XIII. Hiawatha’s Lamentation | 241-260 |
| XIV. Hiawatha’s Wooing | 261-280 |
| XV. Hiawatha’s Marriage Feast | 281-300 |
| XVI. Hiawatha’s Hunting | 301-320 |
| XVII. Hiawatha’s Feast of the Famine | 321-340 |
| XVIII. Hiawatha’s Peace-Pipe | 341-360 |
| XIX. The Ghosts | 361-380 |
| XX. The Famine | 381-400 |
| XXI. The Ghosts | 401-420 |
| XXII. The Departure of Hiawatha | 421-440 |
Question 1:
What is the significance of mythology in Longfellow’s “The Song of Hiawatha”?
Answer:
Mythology forms the foundation of Longfellow’s “The Song of Hiawatha.” It provides a framework for the poem’s themes, characters, and plot. The incorporation of Native American legends and beliefs adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, fostering a connection between the historical and mythical dimensions of the story.
Question 2:
How does the relationship between Hiawatha and Minnehaha reflect broader themes in “The Song of Hiawatha”?
Answer:
Hiawatha and Minnehaha’s relationship represents the interconnectedness of nature and human experience. Their love symbolizes the union between the natural and spiritual worlds. Through their relationship, Longfellow explores the complexities of human emotions, the resilience of love, and the enduring power of memory.
Question 3:
What are the poetic devices and techniques used by Longfellow in “The Song of Hiawatha”?
Answer:
Longfellow employs various poetic devices and techniques in “The Song of Hiawatha,” including trochaic octameter, repetition, and onomatopoeia. The use of trochaic octameter creates a distinctive rhythm and flow, while repetition emphasizes important themes and imagery. Onomatopoeia adds vividness and sensory detail, enhancing the reader’s immersion in the poem’s world.
Well, there you have it, folks! “The Song of Hiawatha” is a big, beautiful poem that’s chock-full of adventure, love, and loss. It’s a classic for a reason, and I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into its world. Thanks for reading, and be sure to come back again soon for more literary adventures!