Poem Analysis - The Hanging Of The Crane

Overall Impression and Tone

The Hanging of the Crane by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a reflective and nostalgic poem that captures the passage of time and the enduring nature of love. The poem begins with a celebratory tone, describing a joyous event—the hanging of a crane in a new home—but quickly shifts to a more introspective and melancholic mood. Longfellow uses vivid imagery and symbolism to explore themes of love, family, and the inevitability of change. The poem's structure, divided into seven sections, mirrors the progression of life from youth to old age, highlighting the cyclical nature of human experience.

Themes of Love and Family

The poem prominently features the theme of love, particularly the love between a couple and their growing family. In the second section, Longfellow describes a couple enjoying a quiet, intimate moment, emphasizing the purity and depth of their love. The imagery of the "light of love" shining over them underscores the sacred and enduring nature of their bond. This love is further celebrated in the final section, where the couple celebrates their golden wedding anniversary, surrounded by their children and grandchildren. The repetition of the phrase "O fortunate, O happy day" in both the first and last sections creates a sense of completeness and fulfillment, highlighting the enduring power of love and family.

The Passage of Time and Mortality

Another central theme is the passage of time and the inevitability of change. Longfellow uses the image of the crane, a symbol of longevity and good fortune, to represent the enduring nature of the home and the family within it. However, the poem also acknowledges the transient nature of life. In the sixth section, Longfellow describes how the table, once filled with guests, dwindles back to the original couple, symbolizing the passage of time and the dispersal of family members. The imagery of the "gloomy mills of Death" and the "stream of Time" running swiftly towards its end underscores the inevitability of mortality. Despite this, the poem concludes on a hopeful note, with the couple celebrating their golden wedding anniversary, suggesting that love and family can endure even as time passes.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The crane, the table, and the guests are recurring symbols that contribute to the poem's themes. The crane, hung in the new home, represents good fortune and the beginning of a new chapter in the couple's life. The table, which expands and contracts throughout the poem, symbolizes the family and the passage of time. When the table is filled with guests, it represents the fullness of life and the joy of family gatherings. When it dwindles back to the original couple, it signifies the passage of time and the dispersal of family members. The guests, who come and go throughout the poem, represent the transient nature of life and the inevitability of change. The final image of the couple celebrating their golden wedding anniversary, surrounded by their children and grandchildren, suggests that despite the passage of time, love and family can endure.

Conclusion

The Hanging of the Crane is a poignant exploration of love, family, and the passage of time. Through vivid imagery and symbolism, Longfellow captures the enduring nature of love and the cyclical nature of human experience. The poem's structure, divided into seven sections, mirrors the progression of life from youth to old age, highlighting the inevitability of change and the enduring power of love and family. The final image of the couple celebrating their golden wedding anniversary, surrounded by their children and grandchildren, offers a hopeful and uplifting conclusion, suggesting that despite the passage of time, love and family can endure.