Poem Analysis - Hence Away Begone Begone

Initial Impression and Tone

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem Hence away, begone, begone is a powerful expression of defiance against negative emotions. The poem's tone is initially one of frustration and impatience, as the speaker addresses carking care and melancholy directly, commanding them to leave. The mood shifts slightly to one of determination and resolve, as the speaker asserts control over their own mind and emotions. The repetitive structure of the poem, with its insistent refrain, reinforces the speaker's resolve to banish these negative influences.

Themes of Defiance and Self-Control

The primary theme of the poem is defiance against negative emotions. The speaker is tired of being governed by care and melancholy and asserts that reason shall have the mastery. This theme is developed through the use of direct address and imperative commands, such as hence away, begone, begone and a curse be on ye. The speaker's use of the first-person pronoun I emphasizes their individual struggle and determination to overcome these emotions. Another key theme is the power of the mind to control one's emotions. The speaker's assertion that reason shall have the mastery suggests a belief in the power of rational thought to overcome negative emotions. This theme is reinforced by the speaker's use of the word promise, which implies a commitment to this course of action.

Imagery of Melancholy and Care

The poem uses vivid imagery to depict the negative emotions that the speaker is trying to banish. The phrase carking care and melancholy creates a vivid image of burdensome, oppressive emotions that weigh heavily on the speaker's mind. The use of the word mournful to describe the company of these emotions further emphasizes their negative impact. The speaker's use of the word curse to describe what they will invoke if these emotions return suggests a deep-seated resentment and desire to be rid of them. The imagery of the poem contributes to its overall message by emphasizing the speaker's desire to be free from the burden of negative emotions and to assert control over their own mind.

Final Insights

The poem Hence away, begone, begone is a powerful expression of defiance against negative emotions and a testament to the power of the mind to control one's emotions. Through its use of direct address, vivid imagery, and repetitive structure, the poem conveys the speaker's determination to overcome the burdens of care and melancholy. The poem's message is one of hope and empowerment, suggesting that by asserting control over our minds, we can overcome even the most oppressive emotions. The poem's final lines, with their insistent command to hence away, begone, serve as a powerful reminder of the speaker's resolve and a call to action for the reader to do the same.