55 pages • 1 hour read
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowThe Song of Hiawatha
Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Adult | Published in 1855A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Song of Hiawatha is an 1855 epic poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow that blends Indigenous and Western influences to tell the story of Hiawatha, a mythic Ojibwe hero, as he embarks on various adventures and unites his people. The poem explores themes of nature, spirituality, and love, embedded in a rich tapestry of American myth and legend. Descriptions of settlers and assimilation may be sensitive for some readers.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s The Song of Hiawatha is celebrated for its lyrical beauty, rich use of Native American themes, and rhythmic mastery. However, it faces criticism for cultural appropriation and historical inaccuracies. While captivating, some may find the epic's pace slow and its portrayals dated. Overall, a notable work in American literature.
Who Should Read The Song of Hiawatha?
Readers who appreciate epic poetry, Native American folklore, and rich, rhythmic narration will enjoy The Song of Hiawatha by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Fans of Longfellow's work or titles like The Iliad by Homer and Beowulf will find similar enjoyment in this timeless tale.
RecommendedReading Age
14-18yearsBook Details
Narrative / Epic Poem
Fairy Tale / Folklore
American Literature
Romanticism / Romantic Period
Agriculture
History: U.S.
Science / Nature
Emotions/Behavior: Love
Emotions/Behavior: Conflict
Emotions/Behavior: Courage