Poem Analysis - The Herons Of Elmwood

An Invitation to Reflection

The Herons Of Elmwood by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a contemplative poem that invites the reader to join the speaker in a serene, reflective moment. The poem begins with a tranquil and peaceful tone, describing a warm summer night by the river. As the poem progresses, it shifts to a more introspective and philosophical mood, exploring themes of nature, freedom, and the enduring power of silent admiration. The poem's form, with its flowing rhyme and rhythm, supports the overall contemplative and meditative atmosphere.

Themes of Nature and Freedom

The poem prominently features the theme of nature, using vivid imagery to describe the natural world. The herons, the river, the stars, and the elmwood thickets all serve as symbols of the natural environment. The herons, in particular, represent freedom and the joy of flight. The speaker asks the herons to sing of the air and the delight of wings that uplift, emphasizing the theme of freedom. This theme is further developed through the contrast between the natural world and the human world, with the herons flying over towns and rivers, symbolizing the freedom that nature offers in contrast to the constraints of human life.

The Power of Silent Admiration

Another significant theme in the poem is the power of silent admiration. The speaker reflects on the idea that the surest pledge of a deathless name is the silent homage of thoughts unspoken. This theme is developed through the imagery of the herons passing over the poet's house and the idea of someone lingering to meditate and send a friendly greeting. The poem suggests that true admiration and respect often go unspoken, but they are no less powerful for being silent. This theme is reinforced by the poem's contemplative tone, which invites the reader to reflect on the value of silent admiration in their own lives.

The Mystical Song of the Heron

The herons in the poem are not just birds but also mystical figures that sing a song of lament and secrets. The speaker asks the herons to sing the mystical Song of the Hern, which baffles our utmost seeking. This recurring symbol of the herons and their song represents the mysteries of nature and the unknown. The herons' song is described as a sound of lament, suggesting a sense of longing or loss. The poem invites the reader to ponder the mysteries of nature and the unknown, emphasizing the theme of the mystical and the unknowable. The herons' song also represents the beauty and wonder of the natural world, which the speaker finds more sweet and wild than the songs of Troubadours or Minnesingers.

Conclusion

The Herons Of Elmwood is a poem that invites the reader to reflect on the beauty of nature, the joy of freedom, and the power of silent admiration. Through vivid imagery and a contemplative tone, Longfellow explores the themes of nature, freedom, and the mystical. The herons serve as a recurring symbol of the natural world and its mysteries, inviting the reader to ponder the unknown and the unknowable. The poem's final insight is that true admiration and respect often go unspoken, but they are no less powerful for being silent. This reflection on the power of silent admiration is a fitting conclusion to a poem that celebrates the beauty and wonder of the natural world.