Poem Analysis - Lenvoi

L'envoi by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a reflective and somewhat somber poem that explores themes of comfort, mortality, and the enduring presence of the past. The poem begins with a calming tone, addressing voices and sounds that bring repose, but it shifts to a more contemplative and melancholic mood as it delves into the idea of voices from the dead. The poem's form, with its repetitive structure and rhythmic flow, supports its meditative and introspective nature.

Tone and Mood

The poem starts with a soothing and reassuring tone, as the speaker addresses voices that bring comfort and repose. The use of phrases like "whispered to my restless heart repose" and "Be of good cheer" creates a sense of tranquility and hope. However, the mood shifts as the poem progresses, becoming more reflective and melancholic. The speaker refers to "tongues of the dead" and "funeral lamps," which evoke a sense of loss and the inevitability of death. This shift in mood highlights the poem's exploration of mortality and the enduring presence of the past.

Themes of Comfort and Mortality

The poem develops the theme of comfort through the imagery of calming voices and sounds. The speaker addresses "voices" and "sounds" that bring repose, suggesting a desire for peace and solace. This theme is contrasted with the theme of mortality, which is explored through references to death and the dead. The speaker describes "tongues of the dead" and "funeral lamps," which evoke a sense of loss and the inevitability of death. The poem suggests that even in death, there is a form of communication and presence, as the dead speak "from deaths frost" like "fiery tongues at Pentecost." This theme is further developed through the imagery of the "vast plain where Death encamps," which suggests a final, inevitable destination.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem uses vivid imagery and symbolism to convey its themes. The "voices" and "sounds" that bring repose are symbolic of comfort and solace, while the "tongues of the dead" and "funeral lamps" are symbols of mortality and the enduring presence of the past. The "groves of balm" and the "pine forest dark and hoar" are images that evoke a sense of tranquility and the natural world, contrasting with the more somber imagery of death. The "vast plain where Death encamps" is a powerful image that suggests the inevitability of death and the finality of mortality. The poem's use of these symbols and images contributes to its overall message of finding comfort in the face of mortality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, L'envoi by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a reflective and contemplative poem that explores themes of comfort, mortality, and the enduring presence of the past. Through its use of vivid imagery and symbolism, the poem conveys a message of finding solace in the face of life's inevitable challenges. The poem's shifting tone and mood, from soothing to melancholic, highlight the complexity of human emotions and the search for meaning in life and death. The poem's significance lies in its ability to evoke a sense of tranquility and hope, even in the face of mortality.