Poem Analysis - Hymn To The Night

Initial Impression and Tone

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Hymn To The Night is a reflective and contemplative poem that celebrates the tranquility and peace found in the night. The poem begins with a sense of awe and reverence for the night, which is personified as a majestic and calming presence. The tone shifts subtly from admiration to a more personal and introspective mood, as the speaker finds solace and comfort in the night's embrace. The overall atmosphere is one of serenity and peace, with a touch of melancholy.

Themes of Tranquility and Reflection

The poem explores several interconnected themes, with tranquility and reflection being the most prominent. The night is depicted as a source of peace and repose, offering a respite from the cares of the day. The speaker finds solace in the night's presence, which is described as calm and majestic. This theme is developed through the use of sensory imagery, such as the sound of the night's trailing garments and the sight of her fringed skirts. The night is also associated with reflection and introspection, as the speaker drinks from the cool cisterns of the midnight air and learns to bear what man has borne before.

The Night as a Symbol of Peace and Comfort

The night is the central symbol in the poem, representing peace, comfort, and a connection to something greater than oneself. The night is personified as a woman, with trailing garments and sable skirts, which adds to her majestic and calming presence. The night is also associated with the divine, as she is described as having celestial walls and a presence that stoops over the speaker from above. This symbolism contributes to the overall message of the poem, which is that the night offers a source of comfort and peace in a world of sorrow and care.

The Night's Healing Power

The night is also associated with healing and the ability to bear the burdens of life. The speaker learns from the night to bear what man has borne before, suggesting that the night has a healing power that can help one cope with life's challenges. The night lays her finger on the lips of Care, silencing complaints and offering a sense of peace. This theme is developed through the use of religious imagery, such as the night's holy presence and the speaker's prayer-like invocation. The night is depicted as a source of comfort and healing, offering a respite from the cares of the day and a connection to something greater than oneself.

Conclusion

In Hymn To The Night, Longfellow celebrates the tranquility and peace found in the night, using vivid imagery and symbolism to convey the night's calming presence. The poem explores themes of tranquility, reflection, and healing, with the night serving as a central symbol of peace and comfort. Through its contemplative tone and sensory imagery, the poem offers a sense of solace and connection to something greater than oneself, inviting the reader to find peace in the night's embrace.