The 19th century was a period of remarkable literary development in the United States, marked by the rise of poetry as a powerful and respected form of expression. American poets of the time explored themes ranging from individualism and freedom to nature and the human condition. Their works helped to shape the cultural and intellectual landscape of the nation. The poets of this period played a critical role in establishing an American literary tradition, distinct from European influences. This article examines 13 famous American poets of the 19th century, highlighting their literary contributions, notable works, and lasting influence.
13 Famous American Poets of the 19th Century
1. Walt Whitman (1819–1892)
Literary Contributions:
Walt Whitman is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in American literature. His poetry broke away from conventional forms and embraced free verse, focusing on themes of democracy, humanism, and the individual. Whitman’s work championed the idea of the self, celebrating the interconnectedness of humanity and the importance of personal freedom.
Notable Works:
Leaves of Grass (1855): Whitman’s magnum opus, this collection of poems was revolutionary for its time. It explored themes of nature, sexuality, democracy, and the spiritual connection between all living things.
Song of Myself: Perhaps the most famous poem in Leaves of Grass, it emphasizes the unity of all individuals and the celebration of the self.
O Captain! My Captain!: A mournful poem written after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, it captures the sorrow of a nation while honoring the fallen leader.
Influence:
Whitman’s work had a profound impact on later poets, particularly in shaping the American modernist movement. His unapologetic celebration of individuality and his rejection of traditional poetic forms inspired poets such as Allen Ginsberg and other members of the Beat Generation. Whitman’s democratic ideals also played a part in shaping American identity during the 19th century.
2. Emily Dickinson (1830–1886)
Literary Contributions:
Emily Dickinson is known for her unconventional style, including her use of short lines, slant rhyme, and irregular punctuation. Her poems often focus on themes of death, immortality, nature, and the inner workings of the mind. Dickinson’s introspective and sometimes enigmatic approach to poetry established her as a unique voice in American literature.
Notable Works:
“Because I could not stop for Death”: This poem explores the inevitability of death and the afterlife, blending themes of time and eternity.
“I heard a Fly buzz – when I died”: In this poem, Dickinson juxtaposes the ordinary with the extraordinary, examining the moment of death with stark simplicity.
“Hope is the thing with feathers”: This short but profound poem compares hope to a bird, suggesting its resilience and persistence.
Influence:
Dickinson’s work was not widely recognized during her lifetime but gained significant attention after her death. Her mastery of language, as well as her contemplative approach to life’s mysteries, influenced modernist poets and continues to inspire readers today. Her poetic innovation paved the way for the exploration of personal, subjective experience in literature.
3. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882)
Literary Contributions:
Longfellow was one of the most popular American poets of the 19th century. His works often drew on American history and legend, celebrating the country’s past and its cultural heritage. Longfellow’s formal, rhythmic poetry made him widely accessible to readers, and he helped to establish a national literary voice.
Notable Works:
“Paul Revere’s Ride”: A famous narrative poem that dramatizes the midnight ride of the American patriot Paul Revere during the American Revolution.
“The Song of Hiawatha”: A lengthy epic poem that tells the story of the Native American hero Hiawatha, blending American Indian mythology with European poetic tradition.
“Evangeline”: A tragic love story set during the expulsion of the Acadians from Canada, it explores themes of separation and reunion.
Influence:
Longfellow’s poetry helped to shape the emerging American literary tradition. His success as a public poet helped to elevate poetry as an important cultural force in America. He also translated works by European poets, making classical literature more accessible to American readers. Longfellow’s work remains a symbol of 19th-century American optimism and idealism.
4. Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849)
Literary Contributions:
Edgar Allan Poe is perhaps best known for his dark, Gothic style and his development of the modern detective story. His poems often delve into themes of death, madness, and the macabre. Poe’s influence extended far beyond poetry into the short story genre, and his exploration of the human psyche helped to lay the groundwork for the psychological thriller.
Notable Works:
“The Raven”: Poe’s most famous poem, it explores grief, loss, and the haunting persistence of memory through the image of a raven that speaks the word “Nevermore.”
“Annabel Lee”: A poignant ballad about a lost love, it reflects Poe’s themes of death and eternal love.
“The Tell-Tale Heart”: Though a short story, it demonstrates Poe’s mastery of psychological tension and his exploration of guilt and madness.
Influence:
Poe’s work had a profound effect on both American and international literature. His emphasis on mood, atmosphere, and psychological depth influenced writers such as Charles Baudelaire, Arthur Conan Doyle, and H.P. Lovecraft. Poe is credited with shaping modern horror, mystery, and detective fiction.
5. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
Literary Contributions:
Emerson was a central figure in the Transcendentalist movement, which emphasized the importance of the individual, nature, and intuition over reason. His philosophical essays and poetry are deeply rooted in the belief that individuals are inherently good and that spirituality is found in nature. Emerson’s writings often advocate for self-reliance and personal growth.
Notable Works:
“Nature”: An essay that lays the groundwork for Transcendentalist thought, emphasizing the importance of nature as a source of inspiration and spiritual insight.
“Self-Reliance”: A key essay that argues for the importance of individuality and independence of thought.
“The Concord Hymn”: A poem written for the dedication of the Battle Monument in Concord, Massachusetts, celebrating the American Revolution.
Influence:
Emerson’s ideas greatly influenced American intellectual life, particularly in the development of American philosophy and literature. His works had a significant impact on later writers such as Walt Whitman, Henry David Thoreau, and even the American pragmatists. Emerson’s emphasis on individualism and nature continues to resonate in modern literature.
6. Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
Literary Contributions:
A central figure in the Transcendentalist movement, Thoreau is best known for his exploration of nature and his advocacy for civil disobedience. His works often address the tension between the individual and society, urging readers to live deliberately and authentically.
Notable Works:
Walden: A reflection on simple living in natural surroundings, it is both a personal memoir and a philosophical exploration of life’s true meaning.
“Civil Disobedience”: An essay that argues for the moral duty to resist unjust laws, it has become a foundational text for political activism.
“The Maine Woods”: A series of essays about Thoreau’s travels in the wilderness, it emphasizes the importance of nature in human life.
Influence:
Thoreau’s works influenced a wide range of thinkers, from environmentalists to political activists. His ideas about nature, simplicity, and resistance to injustice continue to inspire movements for civil rights, environmentalism, and social change.
7. James Russell Lowell (1819–1891)
Literary Contributions:
Lowell was an influential poet, essayist, and critic who played a key role in the American Romantic movement. His poetry is often characterized by its use of satire, wit, and social commentary. Lowell’s work also addresses issues of American identity and the nation’s cultural development.
Notable Works:
“The Biglow Papers”: A satirical series of poems that critiques American politics and society, particularly the Mexican-American War.
“A Fable for Critics”: A humorous and insightful poem that criticizes both American and British poets of the time.
“The Vision of Sir Launfal”: A lyrical narrative poem that blends Arthurian legend with a moral lesson about charity and the pursuit of the ideal.
Influence:
Lowell’s work helped to establish the moral and social themes that would later be explored by poets like Walt Whitman. As an editor of The Atlantic Monthly, Lowell also had a significant role in shaping the direction of American literature.
8. Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. (1809–1894)
Literary Contributions:
Holmes was a prominent poet, essayist, and physician known for his wit and charm. His works often blend humor with serious commentary on social issues, and he is credited with bringing a distinctly American voice to literature.
Notable Works:
“Old Ironsides”: A poem advocating for the preservation of the USS Constitution, it became a rallying cry for American patriotism.
“The Chambered Nautilus”: A metaphysical poem that uses the image of a nautilus shell to symbolize spiritual growth and transcendence.
“The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table”: A series of essays that explore various aspects of American society through humorous and philosophical lenses.
Influence:
Holmes’s work helped to shape the intellectual and cultural landscape of 19th-century America. His contributions to both poetry and prose, as well as his role as a public intellectual, made him a key figure in American literature.
9. Bayard Taylor (1825–1878)
Literary Contributions:
Bayard Taylor was a versatile poet and travel writer, known for his vivid depictions of foreign lands and cultures. He often wrote about his experiences in Europe and the Middle East, blending lyrical beauty with a sense of adventure.
Notable Works:
“Poems of the Orient”: A collection of poems inspired by Taylor’s travels in the Middle East, showcasing his fascination with Eastern cultures.
“The National Ode”: A poem that reflects on the state of the nation and its ideals, celebrating the American spirit.
“The Tale of the Pharaoh’s Daughter”: A dramatic poem set in ancient Egypt, blending historical elements with poetic storytelling.
Influence:
Taylor’s work was well-received in his time and contributed to the development of American travel literature. His lyrical style and exploration of foreign lands influenced later writers who sought to blend personal experience with poetic expression.
10. Lucy Larcom (1826–1893)
Literary Contributions:
Lucy Larcom was a poet, teacher, and mill worker who became an important voice in 19th-century American literature. Her poems often reflect her experiences working in textile mills and her devotion to faith and family.
Notable Works:
“A New England Girlhood”: A memoir that recounts her experiences growing up in New England and working in a mill.
“The Old Factory”: A poem that describes the harsh conditions of factory life, advocating for social reform.
“The Mill Girl”: A poem reflecting on the lives of young women who worked in the mills of New England.
Influence:
Larcom’s work, particularly her poetry about factory life, drew attention to the social issues of the time, including labor rights and the condition of women. She helped to bring the voices of working-class women into the literary conversation.
11. John Greenleaf Whittier (1807–1892)
Literary Contributions:
John Greenleaf Whittier was an outspoken abolitionist whose poetry and prose played a significant role in the anti-slavery movement. His works are known for their emotional intensity and moral urgency.
Notable Works:
“Snow-Bound”: A reflective poem about family life and the beauty of nature, it became one of Whittier’s most beloved works.
“The Barefoot Boy”: A nostalgic poem celebrating the simplicity and innocence of childhood.
“Ichabod”: A powerful anti-slavery poem condemning the political leaders who supported slavery.
Influence:
Whittier’s passionate advocacy for social justice, particularly in his opposition to slavery, had a lasting impact on American culture. His poems helped to inspire the abolitionist movement and gave voice to the moral arguments for the emancipation of enslaved people.
12. James Whitcomb Riley (1849–1916)
Literary Contributions:
Known as the “Hoosier Poet,” Riley’s work often portrayed rural life and folk traditions with warmth and humor. His poetry is characterized by its use of dialect and its focus on ordinary people and their everyday lives.
Notable Works:
“Little Orphant Annie”: A poem about a young orphan girl, which became one of Riley’s most famous works.
“The Raggedy Man”: A nostalgic poem about the relationships between children and their caretakers.
“When the Frost Is on the Punkin”: A celebratory poem about rural life and the harvest season.
Influence:
Riley’s work popularized regional dialect poetry and helped to establish the literary tradition of portraying rural American life in literature. His accessibility and humor made him a beloved figure in 19th-century American poetry.
13. Sara Teasdale (1884–1933)
Literary Contributions:
Sara Teasdale was an American lyric poet whose works often explored themes of love, nature, and death. Her verse is marked by emotional intensity and a focus on personal experience.
Notable Works:
“Love Songs”: A collection of poems that deal with the complexity of love and longing.
“Barter”: A poignant poem that examines the value of experiences and emotions over material wealth.
“There Will Come Soft Rains”: A poem reflecting on the destructive potential of war and the resilience of nature.
Influence:
Teasdale’s emotional depth and lyrical style influenced later poets in the modernist tradition. Her work remains influential for its exploration of the inner emotional world and its blending of personal experience with universal themes.
Conclusion
The 19th century was a pivotal time for American poetry, as poets contributed to the creation of a distinct literary tradition. Each of the poets discussed here made unique contributions to the literary landscape, whether through the revolutionary free verse of Walt Whitman, the profound introspection of Emily Dickinson, or the moral urgency of John Greenleaf Whittier’s abolitionist poems. Together, these poets shaped the future of American literature and continue to inspire readers and writers today. Their works offer a rich tapestry of insight into the human condition, the American experience, and the enduring power of poetry.
