The Evening Star
The Evening Star - meaning Summary
Evening Star as Beloved
Longfellow addresses a beloved by comparing her to the evening star, using a domestic, visual simile that links celestial beauty with intimate nightly rest. The poem frames the star as a symbol of love and tranquility, watching from a casement before withdrawing behind pines. The speaker’s affectionate direct address turns the astronomical image into a personal compliment, reflecting tenderness and gentle admiration likely inspired by his wife.
Read Complete AnalysesLo! in the paintedoriel of the West, Whose panes the sunken sun incarnadines, Like a fair lady at her casement, shines The evening star, the star of love and rest! And then anon she doth herself divest Of all her radiant garments, and reclines Behind the sombre screen of yonder pines, With slumber and soft dreams of love oppressed. O my beloved, my sweet Hesperus! My morning and my evening star of love! My best and gentlest lady! even thus, As that fair planet in the sky above, Dost thou retire unto thy rest at night, And from thy darkened window fades the light.
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