Final answer:
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was the most popular and criticized poet of his time due to his ability to connect with a wide audience through relatable and accessible poetry. His use of universal themes and clear imagery appealed to many, but also drew criticism for lacking intellectual complexity and experimentation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was the most popular and criticized poet of his time for several reasons. Firstly, he was able to write in a style that appealed to a wide audience, with his poems often focusing on universal themes such as love, nature, and patriotism. His poetry was easily accessible, using simple language and clear imagery, which made it relatable to everyday people.
However, Longfellow's popularity also made him a target for criticism. Some critics argued that his poetry was too sentimental and lacked depth, claiming that it lacked the intellectual complexity and experimentation of other contemporary poets. Additionally, Longfellow's optimistic and patriotic themes were seen by some as overly idealistic and disconnected from the harsh realities of the time.
Overall, Longfellow's ability to connect with a broad audience through his relatable and accessible poetry made him immensely popular, while also earning him criticism from those who sought more innovative and challenging works.