Poem Analysis - Catawba Wine

Initial Impressions and Tone

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Catawba Wine" is a celebratory ode to a specific type of wine, the Catawba, which grows in the American West. The poem's tone is initially nostalgic and warm, evoking images of cozy inns and the comfort of wine on a dreary November day. However, the tone shifts to one of pride and patriotism as the speaker extols the virtues of American wine over European varieties, culminating in a dismissive and even scornful attitude towards foreign wines.

Themes of Patriotism and National Pride

The primary theme of the poem is patriotism. Longfellow uses the Catawba wine as a symbol of American excellence, contrasting it with European wines that he deems inferior. The speaker's pride in the Catawba wine is evident in lines such as "For richest and best Is the wine of the West, That grows by the Beautiful River." This theme is further emphasized by the speaker's dismissal of European wines, which he refers to as "poison malign" and a "Devil's Elixir." The poem's form, a song, supports this theme by suggesting a communal, celebratory expression of national pride.

Nature and the American Landscape

Another significant theme is the celebration of the American landscape. The poem repeatedly references the "Beautiful River," which is likely the Ohio River, and the natural beauty of the American West. The imagery of the vine growing by the river and the "sweet perfume" filling the room creates a sense of harmony with nature. This theme is intertwined with patriotism, as the speaker's love for the wine is tied to his love for the land that produces it. The poem's setting in a wayside inn and the mention of the rain and November further emphasize the connection to the natural world.

Symbolism of the Catawba Wine

The Catawba wine itself is a powerful symbol in the poem. It represents purity, excellence, and the unique qualities of the American West. The speaker describes the wine as "pure as a spring" and suggests that it needs no further endorsement, as its name alone is enough to praise it. The wine is also associated with life and vitality, as seen in the image of the "crystal hive" that is "all alive With a swarming and buzzing and humming." This symbolism contributes to the poem's overall message of American pride and the celebration of the nation's natural bounty.

Conclusion

"Catawba Wine" is a poem that celebrates the unique qualities of the American West and the pride that comes from its natural products. Through vivid imagery and a shifting tone, Longfellow crafts a powerful ode to patriotism and the beauty of the American landscape. The Catawba wine serves as a symbol of these themes, representing purity, excellence, and the vitality of the nation. The poem's final lines, which deliver the song to the "Queen of the West," suggest a communal and celebratory expression of these themes, inviting readers to join in the praise of the American West and its bounty.