Poem Analysis - Hermes Trismegistus

Initial Impression and Tone

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Hermes Trismegistus" is a reflective and somewhat melancholic poem that explores the enduring legacy of ancient wisdom and the enigmatic figure of Hermes Trismegistus. The poem begins with a contemplative tone, describing the timeless landscape of Egypt and the enduring monuments that stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time. The mood shifts to a more introspective and philosophical tone as the poem delves into the mysteries surrounding Hermes Trismegistus and the lost knowledge of ancient gods and kings. The final stanzas return to a reflective and somewhat wistful tone, pondering the enduring legacy of ancient wisdom and the fleeting nature of human achievement.

Historical and Authorial Context

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, a prominent American poet of the 19th century, was known for his interest in mythology and ancient cultures. His fascination with these themes is evident in "Hermes Trismegistus," where he draws on the rich tapestry of Egyptian mythology and the legendary figure of Hermes Trismegistus, who was believed to be a master of all arts and sciences. The poem reflects Longfellow's engagement with the enduring mysteries of ancient wisdom and the passage of time, themes that were central to his poetic vision.

Themes of Mortality and the Passage of Time

The poem explores the theme of mortality and the passage of time through its vivid descriptions of ancient Egypt and the enduring monuments that stand as silent witnesses to the passage of centuries. The "great stone faces" and the "pyramids imperious" that "pierce the cloudless skies" serve as powerful symbols of the enduring legacy of ancient civilizations. In contrast, the poem laments the loss of the "old Egyptian demi-gods and kings," whose names and deeds have been reduced to mere inscriptions on stones and rings. This contrast highlights the transient nature of human achievement and the enduring power of ancient wisdom.

Themes of Mystery and the Unexplored

The poem delves into the theme of mystery and the unexplored through its contemplation of Hermes Trismegistus and the lost knowledge of ancient gods and kings. The figure of Hermes Trismegistus is described as "something unsubstantial, ghostly," and "vague, phantasmal, and unreal," reflecting the enigmatic and elusive nature of ancient wisdom. The poem questions the boundaries between the human and the divine, suggesting that the mysteries of the universe are beyond the reach of human understanding. This theme is reinforced by the poem's exploration of the "unexplored and spacious universe of thought," which remains a source of wonder and mystery.

Themes of Legacy and Enduring Wisdom

The poem reflects on the theme of legacy and enduring wisdom through its contemplation of the enduring legacy of Hermes Trismegistus and the lost knowledge of ancient gods and kings. The poem suggests that the true measure of a person's legacy is not their material achievements but the enduring wisdom and knowledge they leave behind. This theme is reinforced by the poem's final stanzas, which reflect on the enduring legacy of ancient wisdom and the fleeting nature of human achievement. The poem suggests that the true measure of a person's legacy is the enduring wisdom and knowledge they leave behind, which can inspire and guide future generations.

Recurring Symbols and Images

The poem is rich in recurring symbols and vivid images that contribute to its overall message. The "lordly Nile" and the "great stone faces" that "gaze with patient smile" serve as powerful symbols of the enduring legacy of ancient civilizations. The "pyramids imperious" that "pierce the cloudless skies" and the "Sphinx" that "stares with mysterious, solemn, stony eyes" further reinforce this theme, highlighting the enduring power of ancient monuments and the mysteries they hold. The image of the "many hundred thousand books" that Hermes Trismegistus wrote, which have been "plundered" and "lost in lands remote," serves as a powerful symbol of the lost knowledge of ancient civilizations and the enduring quest for wisdom. The poem's final image of the "presence" that moves before the speaker on the "gloomy shore" of the past serves as a powerful symbol of the enduring legacy of ancient wisdom and the fleeting nature of human achievement.

Conclusion

In "Hermes Trismegistus," Longfellow reflects on the enduring legacy of ancient wisdom and the enigmatic figure of Hermes Trismegistus. Through its vivid descriptions of ancient Egypt and the enduring monuments that stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time, the poem explores the themes of mortality, mystery, and legacy. The poem's recurring symbols and images, such as the "lordly Nile," the "great stone faces," and the "pyramids imperious," contribute to its overall message, highlighting the enduring power of ancient monuments and the mysteries they hold. Ultimately, the poem suggests that the true measure of a person's legacy is the enduring wisdom and knowledge they leave behind, which can inspire and guide future generations. The poem's final stanzas reflect on the enduring legacy of ancient wisdom and the fleeting nature of human achievement, offering a profound insight into the enduring power of ancient knowledge and the mysteries it holds.