By Ian, RJ, and John

The Background This is an epic poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in Boston and published in The poem tells the story of a young Acadian woman the night that they were exiled. This young woman’s father has just died.

Background continued They decide to bury the father by the sea just before they have to leave to go to the American colonies where the British are sending them. The poem describes how some of the people who lived in the village feel about leaving

A Quote “with a mournful sound, like the voice of a vast congregation, Solemnly answered the sea, and mingled its roar with the dirges” This quote talks about how hard it is to be completely ripped out of where you lived your whole life and how hard it will be to learn a new way of life in a different part of the world.

Cultural Importance This poem helps us to understand what life was like when the Acadians were exiled from their homeland. It also gives us insight into what the world was like at this time. It seems that the world very much a divide and conquer society.

Works cited Defining Canada History, Identity, Culture