Books Quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“Every author has the whole past to contend with; all the centuries are upon him. He is compared with Homer, Dante, Shakespeare, Milton.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Song of Hiawatha”, 1855
Authors inherit centuries of literary legacy, measured against great predecessors.
In simple terms: Writers face historic expectations.
Study past masters.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic study
- creative workshops
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How to honor tradition while innovating?
- What defines a timeless work?
Comparisons can stifle originality.