Poem Analysis - Epimetheus Or The Poets Afterthought

Initial Impression and Tone

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Epimetheus, Or The Poet's Afterthought" is a reflective and introspective poem that explores the fleeting nature of inspiration and the disillusionment that often follows. The poem begins with a dreamlike quality, evoking a sense of wonder and enchantment, but quickly shifts to a tone of disenchantment and melancholy. The speaker's initial joy and rapture give way to a sense of loss and longing, creating a poignant contrast that underscores the poem's themes of transience and the elusive nature of artistic inspiration.

Themes of Disillusionment and Aspiration

The poem delves deeply into the theme of disillusionment, highlighting the stark contrast between the idealized visions of the poet and the harsh realities that follow. The speaker's initial "vision" of "Fields Elysian" and "guests whose glances seemed like sunshine" is shattered by the cold, spectral reality that replaces it. This shift is evident in the lines "Ah! how cold are their caresses! Pallid cheeks, and haggard bosoms!" The imagery of "spectral gleam" and "snow-white dresses" further emphasizes the eerie and disheartening transformation, symbolizing the loss of inspiration and the poet's struggle with disillusionment.

The theme of aspiration is also prominent, as the speaker grapples with the idea that even noble aspirations can lead to "jarring discord, wild confusion, lassitude, renunciation." The reference to Icarus, who fell from the sky with "shattered pinions," serves as a powerful metaphor for the poet's own fall from the heights of inspiration to the depths of disillusionment. This theme is further explored through the speaker's questioning of the value of artistic creation, as seen in the lines "Must each noble aspiration come at last to this conclusion?"

Symbols of Inspiration and Disenchantment

The poem is rich with symbols that represent the speaker's journey from inspiration to disenchantment. The "songs" that initially filled the speaker with "secret rapture" become a source of sorrow and loss, as the speaker laments, "Must even your delights and pleasures fade and perish with the capture?" The "songs" symbolize the poet's creative output, which is both a source of joy and a reminder of the fleeting nature of inspiration. The "hyacinthine blossoms" that fall from the "loose, dishevelled tresses" further emphasize the fragility and transience of artistic inspiration.

The figure of Pandora is another significant symbol in the poem. Pandora, known for her box that released all the evils into the world, is depicted as both a source of beauty and a cause of suffering. The speaker's ambivalent feelings towards Pandora reflect the complex nature of artistic inspiration, which can be both a blessing and a curse. The lines "Why did mighty Jove create thee, Coy as Thetis, fair as Flora, Beautiful as young Aurora, If to win thee is to hate thee?" highlight the speaker's struggle to reconcile the beauty and pain that come with inspiration.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Art

The poem concludes with a call to continue seeking inspiration, despite the inevitable disillusionment that follows. The speaker's final lines, "Let us turn and wander thither!" suggest a renewed determination to pursue artistic creation, even in the face of its fleeting nature. The poem's message is one of resilience and the enduring power of art, which can lift weary hearts, strengthen struggling souls, and make the unattained seem nearer. Through its exploration of disillusionment and aspiration, "Epimetheus, Or The Poet's Afterthought" offers a profound reflection on the nature of artistic inspiration and the enduring value of creative expression.