Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- 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?
- Is Evangeline a believable character? Why or why not?
- How are native people (both Americans and Canadians) portrayed in this poem? How are the Acadians portrayed?
- What's up with all the religious references in this poem? Why does Longfellow include them?
- What do you make of the poem's ending? Why did Longfellow wrap things up on such a down note?