Poem Analysis - Agassiz

Initial Impression and Tone

Henry Wadsworth Longfellows Agassiz is a poignant and reflective poem that grapples with the themes of loss and the fleeting nature of life. The poem begins with a melancholic tone, as the speaker stands on a familiar shore, hearing the waves lament the absence of someone named Agassiz. The mood shifts between sorrow and bewilderment, as the speaker struggles to accept the finality of death. The poem is written in a narrative style, which allows the reader to follow the speakers thoughts and emotions closely.

Themes of Mortality and Loss

The most prominent theme in Agassiz is the struggle with mortality. The speaker is deeply affected by the death of Agassiz, a figure who had seemingly unlocked the secrets of nature. The repetition of the question Why shouldst thou be dead emphasizes the speakers disbelief and frustration. The speaker wonders why someone so enlightened and ready to share his knowledge should be taken away, while ordinary people continue with their mundane lives. This theme is developed through the contrast between the profound loss felt by the speaker and the trivial pursuits of common men.

Nature as a Symbol of Continuity

Nature serves as a recurring symbol in the poem, representing both the continuity of life and the speakers connection to the deceased. The rocks, sea-weed, willows, and winds of the Atlantic are all elements that welcome the speaker back to the shore. These natural elements are constant and enduring, unlike the transient nature of human life. The speaker finds solace in the familiarity of these natural elements, but also feels a deep sense of loss, as Agassiz, who had read natures mysterious manuscript, is no longer there to share his insights. The sea, in particular, is personified as piteously calling and lamenting, mirroring the speakers own grief.

The Mystery of Death

The poem also explores the mystery and unfairness of death. The speaker is baffled by the fact that Agassiz, who had so much to offer, is now silent. The phrase Nature's mysterious manuscript suggests that Agassiz had gained profound knowledge from the natural world, knowledge that he was ready to reveal. The speakers bewilderment is heightened by the contrast between Agassizs readiness to share his insights and his sudden silence. This theme is reinforced by the use of rhetorical questions, which emphasize the speakers struggle to understand the inexplicable.

Final Insights

The poem Agassiz is a powerful meditation on loss and the human struggle to accept the finality of death. Through vivid imagery of nature and a reflective tone, Longfellow explores the themes of mortality, the continuity of life, and the mystery of death. The speakers grief is palpable, and his questions about the unfairness of death resonate deeply. The poem serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the enduring power of nature, offering a poignant reflection on the human condition.