The Fireside Poets were a group of 19th century American poets who were the first to achieve popularity in both America and Britain. They included Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, William Cullen Bryant, James Russell Lowell, Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., and John Greenleaf Whittier. Their works were suitable for recitation and became a source of family entertainment when gathered around the fire, leading to the nickname "Fireside Poets." Through their poetry on topics like abolitionism, they brought important issues to mainstream audiences.

1. America's First Literary Stars The Fireside Poets

2. What are the Fireside Poets? First group of American poets to rival British poets in popularity in either country. Notable for their scholarship and the resilience of their lines and themes. Preferred conventional forms over experimentation. Often used American legends and scenes of American life as their subject matter.

3. What are the Fireside Poets? Their works were particularly suitable for memorization and recitation, both in schools and at home It became a source of entertainment for families gathered around the fire; thus, these gatherings became known as “Fireside Chats” The poets were given the nickname “Fireside Poets”

4. Who were the Fireside Poets? Henry Wadsworth Longfellow William Cullen Bryant James Russell Lowell Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. John Greenleaf Whittier

5. Lasting Impact Longfellow Remained the most popular American poet for decades The only American poet to be immortalized by a bust in Westminster Abbey’s Poets’ Corner Took on causes in their poetry, such as the abolition of slavery, which brought the issues to the forefront in an acceptable way Through their scholarship and editorial efforts, they paved the way for later Romantic writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Walt Whitman

6. Fireside Project The class will be divided into five groups, each group taking a different fireside poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow William Cullen Bryant James Russell Lowell Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. John Greenleaf Whittier

7. Fireside Project You will then do research in your groups to find out information about your poet Individually Biographical information Early Years Later Years Their causes/beliefs/passions Subject matter of their poetry Popular titles Together - select and print a poem you like by this poet (All print the same poem)

8. Fireside Project Share research findings with group Create an outline with a Bibliography (each member must do this) Each person’s outline and bibliography will be turned in for grading One person’s outline and bibliography will be graded Make sure everyone’s is correct!

9. Fireside Chat Project Put together a presentation Your presentation Needs to give notes to your other classmates on the poet Reenact a fireside chat Everyone must have a speaking part in the presentation All parts need to be memorized (especially the poem)