William Cullen Bryant

William Cullen Bryant (November 3, 1794 – June 12, 1878) was an American romantic poet and long-time editor of the New York Evening Post. He is often called a child prodigy by many having (allegedly) composed one of his most famous poems "Thanatopsis" at the age of 17. Much of Bryant's work tends to be religiously centered, usually providing short, spiritual counsels at the end of the poem.

Below are links to the poems that we read in class:

"Thanatopsis"- This a poem Bryant is supposed to have composed at the age of 17. It demonstrates the influences of deism on his work. Notice nature teaching a lesson in this poem.

"To a Waterfowl"- This is another very good example of Romantic poetry demonstrating Mother Nature as a pathway to moral development.