Poem Analysis - By The Fireside King Witlafs Drinking Horn

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "By The Fireside: King Witlaf's Drinking-horn" is a narrative poem that blends historical and religious elements with a touch of the macabre. The poem begins with a lighthearted tone, describing a festive gathering of monks, but shifts to a more somber and eerie mood as the night progresses. The poem's structure, with its stanzas of varying lengths, mirrors the ebb and flow of the monks' revelry and the unexpected turn of events. The narrative style and the use of vivid imagery create a vivid and engaging scene.

Historical and Religious Context

The poem is set in medieval England, specifically involving the Saxons and the monks of Croyland. Longfellow, an American poet, was known for his interest in European history and folklore, which is evident in this poem. The religious practices and the mention of specific saints and apostles reflect the deep Christian influence of the time. The poem also touches on the tradition of Yule, a pre-Christian festival that was later absorbed into Christmas celebrations, adding a layer of cultural richness.

Themes of Mortality and Remembrance

The poem explores the theme of mortality through the sudden death of the Abbot. The monks' revelry is abruptly interrupted by this event, highlighting the unpredictability of death. The drinking-horn, a symbol of remembrance, serves as a reminder of King Witlaf and, ultimately, of the Abbot's own mortality. The monks' continued celebration, despite the Abbot's death, underscores the theme of remembrance and the importance of honoring the past. The phrase "We must drink to one Saint more" suggests a cyclical nature of remembrance and celebration, even in the face of death.

Themes of Revelry and Ritual

The poem delves into the theme of revelry and ritual through the monks' festive gathering. The description of the monks drinking from the golden bowl and the various toasts they make create a sense of communal joy and tradition. The rituals, such as the reading from the pulpit and the ringing of the bells, add a solemn yet celebratory tone. The contrast between the monks' joyous revelry and the solemn rituals underscores the duality of human experience, blending celebration with reverence.

Symbolism of the Drinking-horn and the Yule-log

The drinking-horn is a central symbol in the poem, representing both remembrance and mortality. It is a gift from King Witlaf, meant to remind the monks of his soul, but it also becomes a symbol of the Abbot's sudden death. The Yule-log, with its crackling fire, adds to the atmosphere of the scene. The log's burning and the Abbot's death are linked, as the log's flamelets flicker just as the Abbot takes his last breath. The Yule-log can be seen as a symbol of the passage of time and the inevitability of change, much like the monks' continued celebration despite the Abbot's death.

Conclusion

In "By The Fireside: King Witlaf's Drinking-horn," Longfellow weaves a tale that explores themes of mortality, remembrance, and ritual through vivid imagery and symbolism. The poem's shift from a festive to a somber mood reflects the unpredictable nature of life and death. The drinking-horn and the Yule-log serve as powerful symbols that enrich the narrative and deepen the poem's themes. Ultimately, the poem invites readers to reflect on the cyclical nature of life, death, and remembrance, and the importance of honoring the past while continuing to celebrate the present.