Poem Analysis - Flower De Luce Hawthorne

Initial Impression and Tone

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Flower-de-luce: Hawthorne" is a reflective and melancholic poem that captures a moment of beauty amidst a backdrop of sorrow. The poem begins with a vivid description of a bright day that contrasts with the speaker's enduring pain, setting a tone of bittersweet remembrance. The mood shifts from a sense of wonder and nostalgia to a deeper, more introspective sadness as the poem progresses, culminating in a sense of loss and longing.

Themes of Loss and Memory

The poem explores the theme of loss through the speaker's inability to find a familiar face and voice, suggesting the absence of a loved one. The phrase "The one face I looked for was not there, The one low voice was mute" emphasizes this absence, creating a sense of emptiness. The speaker's memory of the day is tinged with sadness, as the beauty of the scene cannot fully dispel the underlying pain. This theme is further developed through the speaker's struggle to reconcile the past with the present, highlighting the enduring impact of loss on memory and perception.

Themes of Nature and Transience

The natural imagery in the poem, such as the apple-blooms and the historic river, serves as a backdrop to the speaker's emotional state. The "lovely town" and the "great elms" create a serene and picturesque setting, but this beauty is fleeting and cannot alleviate the speaker's grief. The use of nature to contrast with human emotion underscores the theme of transience, suggesting that even the most beautiful moments are temporary and subject to change. The final lines, which describe the unfinished tale and the unfinished window, reinforce this idea of incompleteness and the passage of time.

Symbolism of the Unfinished Tale

The poem's recurring symbol of the unfinished tale is particularly poignant. The "wand of magic power" and the "lost clew" refer to the literary legacy of Nathaniel Hawthorne, whom Longfellow is commemorating. The unfinished tale symbolizes the abrupt end of Hawthorne's life and the unfinished nature of his literary works. This symbolism emphasizes the theme of loss and the enduring impact of Hawthorne's absence on Longfellow. The unfinished window in Aladdin's tower serves as a metaphor for the incomplete nature of Hawthorne's literary contributions, leaving the reader to ponder the potential stories that will never be told.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Flower-de-luce: Hawthorne" is a poignant exploration of loss, memory, and the transience of beauty. Longfellow uses vivid natural imagery and powerful symbolism to convey the enduring impact of Hawthorne's absence. The poem's reflective tone and melancholic mood underscore the themes of loss and the unfinished nature of life and art. Through its evocative language and emotional depth, the poem offers a profound meditation on the ways in which we remember and honor those we have lost.