Back to: Literary Movements in English Literature
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Fireside Poets were a group of American poets who emerged during the 19th century in the Victorian era. Also known as “Schoolroom” or “Household” Poets, they derived their name from writing easy poetry that was read out loud by families by the fireside in American households.
Characteristics of the Fireside Poets
Morality
Morality was an important theme explored in the works of Fireside Poets. They were often didactic in nature and aimed to preach the readers on moral and ethical lessons.
Patriotism
Although deeply influenced by British Romanticism, Fireside Poets were also deeply patriotic, which can often be seen reflected in their works. They commemorated the American landscape and its history and culture.
Accessibility
As mentioned above, the poetry of Fireside poets was easily accessible and could thus be easily procured and read by the fireside by common Americans.
Fireside Poets Major Poets List and Their Important Works
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Longfellow was a prominent member of the Fireside Poets. His works were often known to exhibit the features mentioned above. For instance, his work “The Song of Hiawatha” covers the lives of Native Americans while his poem “Paul Revere’s Ride” commemorates American patriot Paul Revere.
James Russell Lowell
Lowell was yet another eminent member. Famous works of his include “The Vision of Sir Launfal” and “The Biglow Papers” with the latter being a collection of poems that satirically bring out the Mexican-American war and slavery.
John Greenleaf Whittier
Whittier too was an important figure. Famous works of his include “Snow Bound” and “Barbara Frietchi” with the latter revolving around the American Civil War.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
One other notable member would be Holmes. Famous works of his include a collection of humorous and witty essays and poems called “The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table” and his poem “Old Ironsides”.
Conclusion
The Fireside Poets were thus crucial for America, especially in the 19th-century landscape– they helped shape American literature as a whole.
