Poem Analysis - The Angel And The Child

Initial Impression and Tone

The poem The Angel And The Child by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow presents a serene yet melancholic narrative. The tone begins with a sense of tranquility and wonder, as an angel gazes upon a child, but it shifts to a somber reflection on mortality and the fleeting nature of happiness. The poem's language is both lyrical and somber, creating a poignant atmosphere that underscores the themes of innocence and loss.

Themes of Innocence and Mortality

The poem explores the theme of innocence through the image of the child, who is described as pure and untouched by the world's sorrows. The angel's words emphasize the child's purity, suggesting that the world is unworthy of such innocence. This theme is developed through the angel's invitation to the child to escape the earth's troubles and enter a realm of eternal bliss. The contrast between the child's innocence and the world's imperfections highlights the fragility of innocence in the face of life's challenges.

The theme of mortality is central to the poem, as the angel's visit foreshadows the child's impending death. The angel's words about the earth's unworthiness and the inevitability of sorrow prepare the reader for the tragic conclusion. The final lines, Poor mother! see, thy son is dead!, underscore the poem's reflection on the transient nature of life and the pain of loss. The angel's promise of a pure and happy afterlife offers a form of consolation, but it also emphasizes the finality of death.

Symbolism and Imagery

The angel serves as a powerful symbol of divine intervention and the promise of an afterlife. The angel's radiant face and white wings represent purity and transcendence, contrasting with the earthly realm described as unworthy and filled with sorrow. The angel's invitation to the child to escape the earth's troubles and enter a realm of eternal bliss underscores the poem's exploration of mortality and the search for meaning beyond life's hardships.

The child's innocence is symbolized through the imagery of a pure and untouched soul. The angel's words about the child's resemblance to its own image suggest a divine connection, emphasizing the child's purity and the angel's role as a guardian. The child's eyes of azure, troubled by tears, highlight the fragility of innocence in the face of life's sorrows. The final image of the child's death underscores the poem's reflection on the transient nature of life and the pain of loss.

Conclusion

The Angel And The Child by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a poignant exploration of innocence, mortality, and the search for meaning beyond life's hardships. Through the symbolism of the angel and the child, the poem reflects on the fragility of innocence and the inevitability of loss. The poem's serene yet melancholic tone underscores its themes, offering a profound reflection on the human condition and the promise of an afterlife. The final lines, Poor mother! see, thy son is dead!, serve as a poignant reminder of the pain of loss and the search for consolation in the face of mortality.