Poem Analysis - The Golden Legend 5 A Covered Bridge At Lucerne

The Overall Impression and Tone

The poem "The Golden Legend: 5. A Covered Bridge At Lucerne" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow presents a dialogue between Prince Henry and Elsie as they traverse various landscapes and encounter different symbols of life and death. The tone shifts between contemplative and somber, reflecting on the inevitability of death and the beauty of life. The poem begins with a philosophical discussion about bridges and cathedrals, symbolizing connections between the earthly and the divine. As the poem progresses, it delves into the themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the human struggle with the unknown.

Themes of Mortality and the Passage of Time

The poem explores the theme of mortality through the imagery of bridges and the Dance Macabre. The covered bridge at Lucerne serves as a metaphor for the journey from life to death, with the turbulent river beneath symbolizing the river of life. The Dance Macabre, depicted on the walls, illustrates the inevitability of death for all, regardless of their station in life. This theme is further emphasized when Prince Henry and Elsie discuss the paintings, which show various figures being led by Death. The grim musician, who leads all men through the mazes of the dance, represents the inescapable nature of death.

The theme of the passage of time is evident in the descriptions of the landscapes and the reflections of the characters. The journey through the St. Gothard Pass, with its bleak and barren rocks, contrasts with the lush landscapes they encounter later. This contrast highlights the transient nature of life and the inevitability of change. The poem also touches on the theme of faith and redemption through the pilgrims' journey and the discussions about the Virgin Mary. The pilgrims' hymns and the references to religious figures underscore the human quest for meaning and salvation in the face of mortality.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem is rich with symbolic imagery that reinforces its themes. The covered bridge at Lucerne is a central symbol, representing the transition from life to death and the human journey through existence. The river beneath the bridge, described as turbulent and impetuous, mirrors the unpredictable and often tumultuous nature of life. The Dance Macabre, with its depictions of Death leading various figures, serves as a stark reminder of the inevitability of mortality. The imagery of the pilgrims and their hymns adds a layer of spiritual longing and the search for redemption.

The landscape itself becomes a symbol of the human condition. The bleak and barren rocks of the St. Gothard Pass contrast with the lush, fertile landscapes they encounter later, symbolizing the struggles and triumphs of life. The sea, with its vast and mysterious expanse, represents the unknown and the journey into the afterlife. The poem's final scenes, with the sea and the storm, emphasize the uncertainty and the finality of death. The imagery of the sea and the storm also suggests the tumultuous nature of life and the human struggle to find meaning and peace.

Conclusion

The poem "The Golden Legend: 5. A Covered Bridge At Lucerne" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a profound meditation on life, death, and the human journey. Through its rich symbolism and vivid imagery, the poem explores the themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the search for meaning and redemption. The covered bridge at Lucerne, the Dance Macabre, and the landscapes they traverse all serve as powerful symbols that underscore the poem's contemplative and somber tone. The poem ultimately invites readers to reflect on the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the beauty and mystery of existence.