PPT: A Legend of Northland

 Page 1


A Legend of Northland
Page 2


A Legend of Northland
About the Poet
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
1
Personal Life & Education
Born on February 27, 1807, in Portland, Maine
Educated at Bowdoin College
Passed away on March 24, 1882
2
Career & Literary Impact
One of the most famous poets in American literature
Worked as a teacher and professor
Life was marked by both personal tragedy and 
professional success
3
Writing Style & Themes
Known for expressing deep feelings and stories 
through simple and beautiful language
His works frequently draw on themes from history, 
folklore, and mythology
Writing style makes his work relatable and engaging 
for readers of all ages
Poetry is characterized by musical quality and 
emotional depth
Used traditional forms and meters to create rhythm in 
his work
4
Enduring Legacy
His legacy continues through his timeless poetry that 
resonates with readers across generations
Page 3


A Legend of Northland
About the Poet
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
1
Personal Life & Education
Born on February 27, 1807, in Portland, Maine
Educated at Bowdoin College
Passed away on March 24, 1882
2
Career & Literary Impact
One of the most famous poets in American literature
Worked as a teacher and professor
Life was marked by both personal tragedy and 
professional success
3
Writing Style & Themes
Known for expressing deep feelings and stories 
through simple and beautiful language
His works frequently draw on themes from history, 
folklore, and mythology
Writing style makes his work relatable and engaging 
for readers of all ages
Poetry is characterized by musical quality and 
emotional depth
Used traditional forms and meters to create rhythm in 
his work
4
Enduring Legacy
His legacy continues through his timeless poetry that 
resonates with readers across generations
Key Points of the Poem
1
Story of Greed
It tells the story of a greedy old woman who refuses to share her food 
with Saint Peter.
2
Divine Punishment
Saint Peter punishes her for her selfishness by transforming her into 
a bird.
3
Setting
The poem is set in a cold, northern land where the days are short and 
the nights are long.
4
Moral Lesson
It conveys a moral lesson about the consequences of greed and 
selfishness.
Page 4


A Legend of Northland
About the Poet
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
1
Personal Life & Education
Born on February 27, 1807, in Portland, Maine
Educated at Bowdoin College
Passed away on March 24, 1882
2
Career & Literary Impact
One of the most famous poets in American literature
Worked as a teacher and professor
Life was marked by both personal tragedy and 
professional success
3
Writing Style & Themes
Known for expressing deep feelings and stories 
through simple and beautiful language
His works frequently draw on themes from history, 
folklore, and mythology
Writing style makes his work relatable and engaging 
for readers of all ages
Poetry is characterized by musical quality and 
emotional depth
Used traditional forms and meters to create rhythm in 
his work
4
Enduring Legacy
His legacy continues through his timeless poetry that 
resonates with readers across generations
Key Points of the Poem
1
Story of Greed
It tells the story of a greedy old woman who refuses to share her food 
with Saint Peter.
2
Divine Punishment
Saint Peter punishes her for her selfishness by transforming her into 
a bird.
3
Setting
The poem is set in a cold, northern land where the days are short and 
the nights are long.
4
Moral Lesson
It conveys a moral lesson about the consequences of greed and 
selfishness.
Detailed Summary
1
Setting the Scene
The poem begins by describing the cold, northern 
land where the story takes place.
2
Saint Peter's Journey
Saint Peter travels the world, preaching and helping 
others.
3
The Selfish Woman
He encounters a woman baking cakes who refuses to 
share with him.
4
Divine Punishment
Angered by her selfishness, Saint Peter transforms 
the woman into a woodpecker.
5
Moral Lesson
The poem concludes with a lesson about the 
consequences of greed.
Page 5


A Legend of Northland
About the Poet
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
1
Personal Life & Education
Born on February 27, 1807, in Portland, Maine
Educated at Bowdoin College
Passed away on March 24, 1882
2
Career & Literary Impact
One of the most famous poets in American literature
Worked as a teacher and professor
Life was marked by both personal tragedy and 
professional success
3
Writing Style & Themes
Known for expressing deep feelings and stories 
through simple and beautiful language
His works frequently draw on themes from history, 
folklore, and mythology
Writing style makes his work relatable and engaging 
for readers of all ages
Poetry is characterized by musical quality and 
emotional depth
Used traditional forms and meters to create rhythm in 
his work
4
Enduring Legacy
His legacy continues through his timeless poetry that 
resonates with readers across generations
Key Points of the Poem
1
Story of Greed
It tells the story of a greedy old woman who refuses to share her food 
with Saint Peter.
2
Divine Punishment
Saint Peter punishes her for her selfishness by transforming her into 
a bird.
3
Setting
The poem is set in a cold, northern land where the days are short and 
the nights are long.
4
Moral Lesson
It conveys a moral lesson about the consequences of greed and 
selfishness.
Detailed Summary
1
Setting the Scene
The poem begins by describing the cold, northern 
land where the story takes place.
2
Saint Peter's Journey
Saint Peter travels the world, preaching and helping 
others.
3
The Selfish Woman
He encounters a woman baking cakes who refuses to 
share with him.
4
Divine Punishment
Angered by her selfishness, Saint Peter transforms 
the woman into a woodpecker.
5
Moral Lesson
The poem concludes with a lesson about the 
consequences of greed.
Stanza 1
Away, away in the Northland,
Where the hours of the day are few,
And the nights are so long in winter
That they cannot sleep them through;
Where they harness the swift reindeer
T o the sledges, when it snows;
And the children look like bear's cubs
In their funny, furry clothes:
They tell them a curious story 4
I don't believe 'tis true;
And yet you may learn a lesson
If I tell the tale to you.
Explanation:
In this first part of the poem, the poet takes us to a very cold 
and snowy place called the Northland. It is a place where the 
days are very short and the nights are long, especially in winter. 
This means that there is not much sunlight, and it is very dark 
for a long time. The children in this place wear warm and furry 
clothes, which make them look like little bear cubs. The poet 
tells us that there is a special story that people share in this 
place. The poet seems to think that this story might not be true, 
but it is still important because it teaches us something. The 
poet wants to share this story with us so we can learn from it.