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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.” quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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“Every author has the whole past to contend with; all the centuries are upon him. He is compared with Homer, Dante, Shakespeare, Milton.”

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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.

Key Takeaway

Study past masters.

Themes

literature history legacy

Mood

reflective scholarly

Type

poetic analytical

When to use this quote

  • academic study
  • creative workshops
  • literary criticism

Key Concepts

intertextuality canon influence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How to honor tradition while innovating?
  • What defines a timeless work?
A Different Perspective

Comparisons can stifle originality.

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