The Courtship of Miles Standish

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's narrative poem, 'The Courtship of Miles Standish', brings to life the early days of Plymouth Colony and a fierce Indian war. Against this backdrop, a complicated love triangle emerges among three Mayflower passengers: Miles Standish, Priscilla Mullins, and John Alden. The poem provides a counterpoint to Longfellow's earlier tragic tale, 'Evangeline', by capturing the bittersweet quality of America's colonial era through a curious mix of drama and comedy. The poem has become a classic in American literature, featuring memorable characters and a surprise ending that speaks to the optimism of America's future.