The Courtship of Miles Standish facts for kids
The Courtship of Miles Standish is a famous long poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It was first shared with the public in October 1858. This poem was very popular right away, selling 25,000 copies in just two months!
The story is about early settlers in New England. It focuses on three main characters: Miles Standish, John Alden, and Priscilla Mullins. Both Miles Standish and John Alden are in love with Priscilla, which creates an interesting love story.
It is not fully known if this story is based on real events or if it is an old American folk tale. When the poem first came out, some people really liked parts of it. Others found the way Longfellow wrote it a bit unusual. He used a special rhythm called Greek hexameter and some words from the medieval time.
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About The Courtship of Miles Standish
The Courtship of Miles Standish is one of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's most well-known works. Longfellow was a very important American poet. He wrote many poems that are still read today. This particular poem is quite long, telling a detailed story.
The Story's Main Characters
The poem features three important people from the early days of the Plymouth Colony.
- Miles Standish: He was a military leader in the colony. In the poem, he is brave but shy about his feelings.
- John Alden: He was a young, educated man and a friend of Miles Standish. He helps Miles with a special request.
- Priscilla Mullins: She was a young woman who came to America on the Mayflower. She is known for her beauty and spirit.
A Love Story in Early America
The main plot of the poem revolves around a love triangle. Miles Standish wants to marry Priscilla but is too shy to ask her himself. He asks his friend, John Alden, to propose to Priscilla for him. This creates a tricky situation for John, who also has feelings for Priscilla. The poem explores themes of friendship, love, and courage in the challenging times of early settlement.
The Poem's Unique Style
Longfellow chose a special way to write this poem. He used a rhythm called Greek hexameter. This is a type of meter often found in ancient Greek and Roman poems. It was not common for English poems at the time. He also included some older words, which gave the poem a classic feel. This unique style made the poem stand out.
Images for kids
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A scene from The Courtship of Miles Standish, showing Standish looking upon Alden and Mullins during the bridal procession
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Priscilla Mullins, illustration from a 1903 printing
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