Poem Analysis - The Children Of The Lords Supper

Overall Impression and Tone

The poem The Children Of The Lords Supper by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a richly descriptive and deeply spiritual piece that captures a significant religious ceremony in a village church. The tone is reverent and solemn, reflecting the sacred nature of the event being described. The poem begins with a joyful and celebratory mood, depicting the beauty of nature and the preparations for the ceremony. However, as the poem progresses, it shifts to a more introspective and reflective tone, focusing on the spiritual growth and responsibilities of the children involved in the ceremony.

Themes of Spiritual Growth and Responsibility

One of the main themes in the poem is the spiritual growth and responsibility of the children. The poem describes the children's participation in the renewal of their baptismal vows, which marks a significant step in their spiritual journey. The old Reverend Teacher guides them through the ceremony, explaining the importance of their faith and the responsibilities that come with it. The children's answers to the catechism and their promises to cherish God and their fellow humans highlight their growing understanding of their spiritual duties. The theme of responsibility is emphasized when the old man speaks of the children's role in the Christian community and their duty to live according to their faith.

Themes of Love and Forgiveness

The poem also explores the themes of love and forgiveness. The Reverend Teacher emphasizes the importance of loving God and one's fellow humans, stressing that true love is selfless and forgiving. He speaks of the need to forgive those who wrong us, just as God forgives us. The imagery of the children's pure and innocent hearts, symbolized by the lilies and the rosy-tinted lips, underscores the theme of love. The old man's words about the love of God and the need to love one another reflect the Christian values of compassion and forgiveness. The theme of love is further emphasized when the old man speaks of the love of God as the root of creation and the source of all blessings.

Themes of Mortality and Eternity

The poem delves into the themes of mortality and eternity, particularly through the old Reverend Teacher's reflections on his own life and the children's future. The old man speaks of the brevity of life and the importance of living in accordance with one's faith. He reminds the children that life is a journey towards eternity and that their actions in this life will have eternal consequences. The imagery of the ancient dial in the churchyard, which has stood for a hundred years, symbolizes the passage of time and the inevitability of death. The old man's words about the children's future and the need to live righteously highlight the theme of eternity. The poem concludes with the old man's prayer for the children, asking God to keep them faithful and to welcome them into heaven.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem is rich in symbolic imagery that reinforces its themes. The church and its surroundings are described in vivid detail, with the gleaming church, the adorned churchyard, and the ancient dial serving as symbols of the enduring presence of faith. The children themselves are symbols of innocence and purity, with their delicate figures and rosy cheeks representing the beauty of youthful faith. The old Reverend Teacher is a symbol of wisdom and spiritual guidance, with his silver tresses and contemplative grandeur reflecting his deep understanding of faith and life. The lilies and the dove with a necklace of wind-flowers symbolize the purity and peace that come from a life lived in faith. The imagery of the children's trembling and the holy rapture that runs through their bodies during the ceremony underscores the profound spiritual experience they are undergoing.

Conclusion

The Children Of The Lords Supper is a deeply moving and spiritually rich poem that explores the themes of spiritual growth, love, forgiveness, mortality, and eternity. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, Longfellow captures the sacredness of the ceremony and the profound impact it has on the children involved. The poem serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, love, and righteous living, and the eternal consequences of our actions in this life. The old Reverend Teacher's words and the children's responses highlight the beauty and depth of the Christian faith, emphasizing the need for love, forgiveness, and a life lived in accordance with one's beliefs.