Blessed Are the Dead
Blessed Are the Dead - meaning Summary
Death as Release and Longing
Longfellow presents death as peaceful release and the blessedness of those who have passed into God. The living are depicted as imprisoned by cares, grief, and toil, while the dead sleep quietly in chambers and enjoy divine songs and rest. The poem frames longing for heaven in Christian terms, ending as a plea to Christ to free souls from earthly chains so they may find appointed joy and rest.
Read Complete AnalysesO, how blest are ye whose toils are ended! Who, through death, have unto God ascended! Ye have arisen From the cares which keep us still in prison. We are still as in a dungeon living, Still oppressed with sorrow and misgiving; Our undertakings Are but toils, and troubles, and heart-breakings. Ye, meanwhile, are in your chambers sleeping, Quiet, and set free from all our weeping; No cross nor trial Hinders your enjoyments with denial. Christ has wiped away your tears for ever; Ye have that for which we still endeavour. To you are chanted Songs which yet no mortal ear have haunted. Ah! who would not, then, depart with gladness, To inherit heaven for earthly sadness? Who here would languish Longer in bewailing and in anguish? Come, O Christ, and loose the chains that bind us! Lead us forth, and cast this world behind us! With thee, the Anointed, Finds the soul its joy and rest appointed.
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