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Evangeline Questions

Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.

  1. Why does Longfellow write this poem in an epic meter like dactylic hexameter (see "Form and Meter" for the deets)? What's epic about this story?
  2. Is Evangeline a believable character? Why or why not?
  3. How are native people (both Americans and Canadians) portrayed in this poem? How are the Acadians portrayed?
  4. What's up with all the religious references in this poem? Why does Longfellow include them?
  5. What do you make of the poem's ending? Why did Longfellow wrap things up on such a down note?