Poem Analysis - Annie Of Tharaw

An Overview of Devotion and Unity

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Annie of Tharaw" is a deeply emotional poem that celebrates enduring love and unity. The tone is passionate and steadfast, reflecting the speaker's unwavering devotion to his beloved, Annie. The poem begins with a sense of joy and triumph, as the speaker rejoices in Annie's renewed love. However, it shifts to a more somber and resolute mood, acknowledging the challenges that love must endure. The poem's form, a series of rhyming couplets, supports the themes of harmony and unity.

Themes of Enduring Love and Unity

The primary theme of the poem is enduring love. The speaker's love for Annie is portrayed as unbreakable and eternal. He uses strong, possessive language to express his devotion, referring to her as his life, goods, and gold, and declaring that their lives are woven into one. This theme is developed through the use of vivid imagery and metaphors, such as the palm-tree that grows stronger in harsh weather, symbolizing love that endures through hardship.

Another significant theme is unity. The speaker emphasizes the importance of oneness in love, stating that true love requires one heart, one mouth, and one hand. He contrasts this ideal with the discord that can exist in other relationships, using the metaphor of a dog and a cat to represent strife. The theme of unity is further emphasized through the repetition of the phrase Annie of Tharaw, which serves as a refrain, tying the poem together and reinforcing the idea of their interconnected lives.

Symbols of Strength and Devotion

The palm-tree is a recurring symbol in the poem, representing strength and resilience. The speaker compares their love to the palm-tree, which stands tall and straight despite harsh weather. This symbol emphasizes the theme of enduring love, suggesting that love, like the palm-tree, can grow stronger through adversity. The palm-tree also symbolizes Annie herself, who is strong and steadfast, much like the tree that endures through storms and rain.

Another vivid image is the speaker's declaration that he would follow Annie through forests, seas, ice, and armies of foes. This image underscores the depth of his devotion and his willingness to overcome any obstacle to be with her. It also highlights the theme of unity, as the speaker is willing to go to great lengths to maintain their connection. The image of following Annie through various challenges also reinforces the idea of enduring love, suggesting that the speaker's devotion is unwavering, regardless of the circumstances.

The Significance of Mutual Devotion

In conclusion, Longfellow's "Annie of Tharaw" is a powerful exploration of enduring love and unity. Through vivid imagery, metaphors, and recurring symbols, the poem emphasizes the strength and resilience of true love. The speaker's unwavering devotion to Annie, despite potential challenges, underscores the theme of enduring love. The palm-tree symbolizes this strength, while the speaker's willingness to follow Annie through any obstacle highlights the theme of unity. The poem ultimately suggests that mutual devotion and oneness are essential for a love that can withstand the trials of life.