Poem Analysis - Excelsior

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Excelsior" is a poignant narrative poem that tells the story of a young man's relentless pursuit of an unknown goal, symbolized by the banner he carries. The poem's tone is somber and reflective, with a sense of inevitability and tragedy. The mood shifts from the youth's determined resolve to the sorrow and loss felt by those who encounter him. The poem's form, with its repetitive use of the word "Excelsior," reinforces the youth's single-minded pursuit and the inevitability of his fate.

Themes of Ambition and Mortality

The central theme of "Excelsior" is the destructive power of unyielding ambition. The youth's relentless pursuit of his goal, represented by the banner, leads him to ignore warnings and pleas from those around him. This theme is developed through the use of vivid imagery, such as the "spectral glaciers" and the "roaring torrent," which symbolize the dangers he faces. The theme of mortality is also prominent, as the youth's single-minded pursuit ultimately leads to his death. The poem suggests that while ambition can drive one to great heights, it can also lead to tragic consequences.

The Symbolism of the Banner and the Word "Excelsior"

The banner with the strange device "Excelsior" is a powerful symbol in the poem. The word "Excelsior" itself means "ever upward" in Latin, reflecting the youth's unyielding ambition. The banner serves as a constant reminder of his goal, and his refusal to abandon it, even in the face of danger and death, underscores the destructive power of his ambition. The repetition of the word "Excelsior" throughout the poem reinforces this theme, creating a sense of inevitability and tragedy. The banner also serves as a symbol of the youth's identity, as it is the only thing he is found with after his death.

The Role of Nature and the Supernatural

The poem uses vivid imagery of nature and the supernatural to create a sense of foreboding and danger. The "spectral glaciers," the "roaring torrent," and the "awful avalanche" all serve as warnings of the dangers the youth faces. The use of the supernatural, such as the "voice" that replies "Excelsior" and the "voice" that falls from the sky, adds a sense of inevitability and fate to the poem. These elements contribute to the overall message of the poem, which is that unyielding ambition can lead to tragic consequences, even in the face of clear warnings and dangers.

Conclusion

"Excelsior" is a powerful exploration of the destructive power of unyielding ambition. Through the use of vivid imagery, symbolism, and a sense of inevitability, Longfellow creates a poignant narrative that serves as a cautionary tale. The poem suggests that while ambition can drive one to great heights, it can also lead to tragic consequences if pursued without regard for warnings and dangers. The youth's relentless pursuit of his goal, symbolized by the banner, ultimately leads to his death, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition.