Tales of a Wayside Inn

"Tales of a Wayside Inn" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a collection of poems formed as stories recited by a group of very different people who have all come together at an inn. Creating a cozy atmosphere and centered around storytelling and camaraderie, the narrative introduces the Wayside Inn, a charming old place in Massachusetts. The scene is set on a warm autumn night, where music and laughter fill the air. Among the key people are a studious youth, a proud innkeeper, a Spanish Jew, a theologian, and a poet, each carefully described. As they gather around the fire, the innkeeper is expected to share a story, setting the stage for the many tales and themes to come.