Poem Analysis - The Day Is Done

Overall Impression and Tone

The Day Is Done by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a reflective and introspective poem that captures the transition from day to night. The poem begins with a melancholic tone, evoking a sense of sadness and longing as the speaker contemplates the end of the day. This mood shifts slightly as the speaker seeks solace in poetry, suggesting a desire for comfort and escape from the day's cares. The poem's form, with its rhythmic and soothing language, supports this theme of seeking rest and tranquility.

Themes of Longing and Rest

The poem explores several interconnected themes, including longing, rest, and the power of poetry. The speaker's longing is evident from the start, as the falling darkness and the lights of the village evoke a sense of melancholy. This longing is not painful but rather a gentle sadness that the speaker cannot resist. The desire for rest is another prominent theme, as the speaker seeks to escape the toils of the day and find solace in poetry. The speaker explicitly states a longing for rest, contrasting it with the endless toil and endeavor suggested by grand poetry. This theme is reinforced by the imagery of the night being filled with music, which suggests a peaceful and restful state.

The Power of Poetry

The power of poetry is a central theme in the poem. The speaker seeks comfort in poetry, specifically in simple and heartfelt verses that can soothe the restless feeling and banish the thoughts of the day. The speaker contrasts the grand old masters with the humbler poet, suggesting that the latter's songs, which gush from the heart, have the power to quiet the restless pulse of care. This theme is reinforced by the imagery of the treasured volume and the beauty of the poet's voice, which fill the night with music and drive away the cares of the day. The poem itself is a testament to the power of poetry to provide comfort and escape from the cares of the day.

Symbolism of Darkness and Light

The poem employs vivid imagery and symbolism to convey its themes. The darkness that falls from the wings of night is a powerful symbol of the end of the day and the onset of night. This darkness is contrasted with the lights of the village, which gleam through the rain and mist, symbolizing hope and comfort in the midst of sadness. The mist and rain are also significant, as they resemble sorrow but are not akin to pain, suggesting a gentle and melancholic mood. The imagery of the night being filled with music and the cares folding their tents like the Arabs is another powerful symbol, suggesting a peaceful and restful state.

Conclusion

The Day Is Done is a poignant exploration of longing, rest, and the power of poetry. Through its vivid imagery and symbolism, the poem captures the transition from day to night and the speaker's desire for comfort and escape from the cares of the day. The poem's themes are reinforced by its soothing language and rhythmic form, which support the overall message of seeking rest and tranquility. The poem's significance lies in its universal appeal to the human experience of longing for rest and comfort in the face of life's toils and cares.