Poem Analysis - Flowers De Luce Noel

Initial Impression and Tone

Henry Wadsworth Longfellows Flowers-de-luce: Noël is a lively and humorous poem that captures the spirit of a boisterous group of friends on their way to visit a mutual acquaintance, Jean Rudolph Agassiz. The poem begins with a festive and jovial tone, as the friends sing and boast about their past experiences with Agassiz. However, the mood shifts towards the end, revealing a more serious and respectful undertone, particularly through the voice of the Chartreux monk. This shift highlights the complexity of the friends' relationship with Agassiz and the poem's underlying themes.

Historical and Biographical Context

Longfellow was an American poet known for his lyrical and narrative poems. He was deeply influenced by European literature and culture, which is evident in this poem's use of French language and references to European regions and traditions. Jean Rudolph Agassiz was a prominent Swiss-American scientist and close friend of Longfellow, known for his work in natural history and glaciology. The poem likely reflects the social gatherings and intellectual discussions that took place among Longfellow's circle of friends, which included many prominent figures in science and literature.

Themes: Friendship and Camaraderie

The poem explores the theme of friendship and camaraderie through the interactions of the six friends. The repeated phrase "Bons amis" emphasizes their bond and shared experiences. Each friend boasts about their past encounters with Agassiz, highlighting their unique personalities and the joy they find in their friendship. The use of vivid imagery, such as "chanting gaily in the frost" and "climbing the wooden staircase," creates a lively and convivial atmosphere, reinforcing the theme of camaraderie.

Themes: Humility and Respect

The theme of humility and respect is introduced towards the end of the poem, particularly through the voice of the Chartreux monk. His solemn blessing, "Benedictions sur le Juste," contrasts with the earlier boisterous behavior of the friends. This shift in tone suggests a deeper respect and admiration for Agassiz, highlighting the importance of humility in true friendship. The monk's words also serve as a reminder of the moral and spiritual dimensions of their relationship, adding depth to the poem's exploration of friendship.

Themes: The Passage of Time

The theme of the passage of time is subtly woven into the poem through the friends' reminiscences and the mention of historical figures and places. The reference to Charlemagne and the various European regions evoke a sense of history and tradition, suggesting that the friends' bond is rooted in a shared cultural heritage. The poem's setting during the Christmas season also emphasizes the cyclical nature of time and the enduring significance of their friendship.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem is rich in vivid imagery and recurring symbols that contribute to its overall message. The use of French language and references to European regions and traditions creates a sense of cultural richness and depth. The friends' boasts about their past experiences with Agassiz serve as symbols of their shared history and the enduring nature of their friendship. The Chartreux monk's blessing, "Benedictions sur le Juste," is a powerful symbol of respect and admiration, highlighting the moral and spiritual dimensions of their relationship. The poem's setting during the Christmas season also serves as a symbol of renewal and the enduring significance of their bond.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Flowers-de-luce: Noël is a multifaceted exploration of friendship, humility, and the passage of time. Through its lively and humorous tone, vivid imagery, and recurring symbols, the poem captures the essence of camaraderie and the enduring significance of shared experiences. The shift in mood towards the end of the poem highlights the deeper respect and admiration that the friends hold for Agassiz, adding a layer of moral and spiritual depth to the poem's themes. Ultimately, the poem serves as a celebration of friendship and the enduring bonds that connect us to one another and to our shared cultural heritage.