Poem Analysis - The Hemlock Tree

Initial Impression and Tone

The poem "The Hemlock Tree" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow presents a stark contrast between the steadfastness of nature and the fickleness of human emotions. The tone shifts between admiration for the hemlock tree's constancy and bitterness towards a faithless lover. The repetition of phrases and the use of natural imagery create a rhythmic, almost incantatory effect, emphasizing the speaker's emotional turmoil. The poem's form, with its repeated refrains, mirrors the cyclical nature of the themes it explores.

Themes of Constancy and Inconstancy

The primary theme of the poem is the contrast between constancy and inconstancy. The hemlock tree is praised for its faithfulness, remaining green even in winter. This is highlighted by the repeated phrase "how faithful are thy branches," which underscores the tree's reliability. In contrast, the maiden is criticized for her faithlessness, leaving the speaker in times of adversity. The repetition of "how faithless is thy bosom" emphasizes her unreliability. This contrast serves to highlight the speaker's pain and disillusionment.

The Nightingale and the Meadow Brook as Symbols

The nightingale and the meadow brook serve as symbols of the maiden's inconstancy. The nightingale sings only in summer and flies away in autumn, mirroring the maiden's behavior of staying only in times of prosperity. The meadow brook flows only when it rains and dries up in drought, symbolizing the maiden's fickle nature. These natural images reinforce the theme of inconstancy and provide a vivid contrast to the steadfast hemlock tree. The use of these symbols adds depth to the poem, making the speaker's emotions more palpable and the maiden's actions more reprehensible.

Nature as a Mirror of Human Behavior

The poem uses nature as a mirror to reflect human behavior. The hemlock tree, nightingale, and meadow brook are all natural elements that the speaker uses to illustrate different aspects of human constancy and inconstancy. The hemlock tree's faithfulness is a stark contrast to the maiden's faithlessness, while the nightingale and meadow brook's behavior mirrors the maiden's fickle nature. This use of nature as a mirror adds a layer of complexity to the poem, making the speaker's emotions more relatable and the maiden's actions more understandable. It also raises the question of whether the speaker is using these natural images as a coping mechanism, or if they truly believe that nature reflects human behavior.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Hemlock Tree" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow explores the themes of constancy and inconstancy through vivid natural imagery and a stark contrast between the steadfast hemlock tree and the faithless maiden. The use of recurring symbols and the repetition of phrases create a rhythmic, incantatory effect that emphasizes the speaker's emotional turmoil. The poem's significance lies in its exploration of human emotions and the use of nature as a mirror to reflect these emotions. It serves as a reminder of the pain that can come from inconstancy and the comfort that can be found in steadfastness.