Poem Analysis - From The Spanish Cancioneros

Overall Impression and Tone

From The Spanish Cancioneros by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a reflective and melancholic poem that explores themes of sorrow, longing, and the desire for peace. The poem's tone shifts from a sense of deep distress and longing in the first section to a more resigned acceptance of fate in the second and third sections. The final section introduces a stark contrast with its vivid imagery of a woman in mourning, suggesting a commentary on societal expectations and the superficiality of grief. The poem's form, divided into four distinct sections, supports its exploration of different emotional states and perspectives.

Themes of Sorrow and Longing

The poem delves deeply into the theme of sorrow and longing, particularly in the first section. The speaker's eyes are described as tristful, a term that suggests both sadness and a sense of weariness. The repetition of the phrase eyes so tristful emphasizes the speaker's emotional state, creating a sense of urgency and intensity. The speaker's heart is full of care and cumber, indicating a burden of worry and distress. This sorrow is further emphasized by the speaker's sense of being friendless and querulous, or complaining and irritable. The speaker's distress is so profound that they long for comfort but find none, highlighting the depth of their sorrow.

Themes of Mortality and Escape

The second and third sections of the poem explore the theme of mortality and the desire for escape from suffering. The speaker finds solace in the idea of death as a means of finding rest from their troubles. The repetition of the phrase shalt thou find rest underscores the speaker's longing for peace and relief from their pain. The speaker views death as a release from the burdens of life, suggesting a deep sense of weariness and a desire for escape. The imagery of six feet of earth and the unattained being gained in death further emphasizes the speaker's resignation and acceptance of mortality as a means of finding rest.

Themes of Superficiality and Societal Expectations

The final section of the poem introduces the theme of superficiality and societal expectations, particularly in relation to grief and mourning. The vivid imagery of a woman in a black glove and a transparent veil suggests a commentary on the performative nature of grief. The phrase This is killing men that live, 'Tis not mourning for the dead highlights the speaker's critique of societal expectations and the superficiality of public displays of grief. The woman's sovereign attitude and air, along with her coquettish charms, further emphasize the contrast between her outward appearance and the supposed purpose of her mourning. This section serves as a stark contrast to the earlier sections, highlighting the poem's exploration of different emotional states and perspectives.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem employs several recurring symbols and vivid images to convey its themes. The eyes so tristful serve as a powerful symbol of the speaker's emotional state, emphasizing their sorrow and longing. The imagery of death as a means of finding rest is another recurring symbol, highlighting the speaker's desire for escape from their suffering. The final section's vivid imagery of a woman in mourning serves as a stark contrast to the earlier sections, emphasizing the poem's exploration of different emotional states and perspectives. The black glove and transparent veil, along with the woman's coquettish charms, suggest a commentary on the superficiality of grief and the performative nature of societal expectations.

Conclusion

From The Spanish Cancioneros by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a poignant exploration of sorrow, longing, and the desire for escape from suffering. Through its vivid imagery and recurring symbols, the poem conveys a deep sense of emotional distress and a longing for peace. The final section's stark contrast highlights the poem's exploration of different emotional states and perspectives, as well as its commentary on societal expectations and the superficiality of grief. The poem's significance lies in its ability to convey the complexities of human emotion and the universal desire for relief from suffering.