Movement Background: Fireside poets which were called "schoolroom" or "household" poets, were the first group to rival the British poets in popularity. Fireside poetry was created by Henry Longfellow and John Whittier who were outspoken abolitionists and were known for their journalism. They used fireside poetry as an opportunity to address important issues and use a sentimental, moralizing and romantic tone to encourage their audience to think of these issues on a more personal tone.
Poetry Analysis: Good Night by Wilhelm Muller points out how hard it is to say goodbye to a love one but it is not his choice as he states, "The time of departure is not mine to choose." Even though he have to leave he must find his way but saying goodbye to a love one is not okay. He feels as if it is god who makes him linger away. When he mentions, "Love likes to wander from one to another, as if god willed it so." When he mentions, "two words written on the gate as I leave, "Good night" to let you know I thought of you." This explains he don't know how to tell his love one goodbye and he leaves them undisturbed. He will always have them in mind. He uses good night instead of goodbye because leaving a love one is never okay. At the beginning you will think they will be together when he mentions, "a young girl spoken of love, her mother even of marriage." It is a different outcome at the end when he leaves.
Literary Devices: The poem Good Night showcased a few literary terms. One term that was showcased is irony. As the author states, "a young girl spoken of love, her mother even of marriage." But at the end he leaves you'll think they will want to be together if they talking about love. It is a different outcome then what you will expect. Then the author showcases an analogy when the author states, "the flowers of May once welcomed me warmly and now all is bleak--the pathway covered with snow." He compares the similar concepts of seasons to show how at first he had the path and towards the end the path is covered up and he need to find his way.