Poem Analysis - Curfew

Initial Impression and Tone

The poem Curfew by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow presents a somber and reflective mood, evoking a sense of quietude and the passage of time. The tone is mournful and solemn, as indicated by the repeated use of words like solemnly, mournfully, and dark. The poem shifts from a description of the curfew bell tolling to a more introspective and metaphorical exploration of completion and oblivion. The overall atmosphere is one of tranquility tinged with melancholy.

Themes of Completion and Mortality

One of the main themes in Curfew is the idea of completion and the end of activities. The poem begins with the tolling of the curfew bell, signaling the end of the day and the beginning of rest. This is echoed in the lines Cover the embers, and put out the light; Toil comes with morning, and rest with the night. The imagery of covering embers and putting out the light suggests the end of a day's work and the onset of night, symbolizing the end of life's activities. The repetition of the phrase Sleep and oblivion reign over all emphasizes the finality and completeness of the end.

Themes of Silence and Isolation

Another prominent theme is silence and isolation. The poem repeatedly emphasizes the absence of sound and activity. Lines such as No voice in the chambers, No sound in the hall and Sound fades into silence, All footsteps retire create a sense of isolation and quietude. The imagery of darkened windows and quenched fires contributes to this atmosphere of silence and solitude. The silence and isolation in the poem can be seen as a metaphor for the end of life, where all activities and interactions cease.

Themes of Memory and Oblivion

The theme of memory and oblivion is also central to the poem. The lines The book is completed, And closed, like the day; And the hand that has written it Lays it away suggest the completion of a life's work and the fading of memories. The imagery of dimming fancies and forgotten stories highlights the transient nature of memory. The repetition of the phrase Sleep and oblivion reign over all underscores the idea that memories and experiences eventually fade into oblivion.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem employs several recurring symbols and vivid images to convey its themes. The curfew bell is a central symbol, representing the end of the day and the onset of night. It also symbolizes the end of life and the passage of time. The imagery of darkness, such as Dark grow the windows, and quenched is the fire, and Darker and darker The black shadows fall, reinforces the theme of the end and the fading of light and life. The book and the hand that writes it are metaphors for life's experiences and memories, which are eventually completed and laid away.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Curfew is a poignant exploration of completion, silence, and oblivion. Through vivid imagery and recurring symbols, the poem conveys the inevitability of the end and the fading of memories. The somber tone and reflective mood of the poem underscore the themes of mortality and the passage of time. The poem invites readers to contemplate the transient nature of life and the ultimate silence that awaits us all.