Poem Analysis - The Arrow And The Song

Initial Impression and Tone

The poem The Arrow And The Song by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow presents a reflective and somewhat melancholic tone. It begins with a sense of mystery and loss, as the speaker describes shooting an arrow and singing a song into the air, only to lose track of both. The mood shifts to one of discovery and warmth in the final stanza, suggesting a theme of unexpected reunion and the enduring power of friendship.

Themes of Loss and Rediscovery

The poem explores the theme of loss and rediscovery through the use of vivid imagery and symbolism. The arrow and the song represent the speaker's actions and creations, which are initially lost to the unknown. The arrow, a symbol of direction and purpose, is found later in an oak tree, unbroken. This suggests that even when our efforts seem lost, they may still exist, waiting to be rediscovered. The song, a symbol of expression and emotion, is found again in the heart of a friend, indicating that our words and feelings can have a lasting impact on others, even if we do not see the immediate results.

The Power of Friendship

Friendship is a central theme in the poem. The rediscovery of the song in the heart of a friend highlights the enduring power of human connection. The friend serves as a vessel for the speaker's song, preserving it and returning it to the speaker. This suggests that friends can hold and cherish our words and emotions, even when we ourselves have forgotten or lost them. The poem implies that friendship can provide a sense of continuity and comfort, as the friend's heart becomes a place of rediscovery and renewal.

Symbols of the Arrow and the Song

The arrow and the song are the primary symbols in the poem. The arrow represents the speaker's actions and intentions, which are sent out into the world with a sense of purpose but ultimately lost to the unknown. The song represents the speaker's emotions and expressions, which are similarly sent out into the world but also lost. The rediscovery of both the arrow and the song in the final stanza suggests that our actions and emotions can have a lasting impact, even if we do not see the immediate results. The oak tree, where the arrow is found, symbolizes strength and endurance, while the friend's heart symbolizes warmth and connection.

Conclusion

The Arrow And The Song by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a poignant exploration of loss, rediscovery, and the power of friendship. Through the use of vivid imagery and symbolism, the poem suggests that our actions and emotions can have a lasting impact, even when we do not see the immediate results. The rediscovery of the arrow and the song in the final stanza highlights the enduring power of human connection, as the friend's heart becomes a place of rediscovery and renewal. The poem ultimately offers a message of hope and comfort, suggesting that even when we feel lost or forgotten, our words and emotions can still find a place in the hearts of others.