My Books
My Books - meaning Summary
Memory of Former Self
Longfellow compares his old books to the relics of a once-active knight, seeing them as ornaments and arms of an earlier life. The books no longer serve practical use but trigger nostalgia, reminding him of his younger, stronger self and the pleasures and confidence now clouded by age. The poem quietly portrays memory, loss of vigor, and the consoling role of objects that preserve identity and past pursuits.
Read Complete AnalysesSadly as some old mediaeval knight Gazed at the arms he could no longer wield, The sword two-handed and the shining shield Suspended in the hall, and full in sight, While secret longings for the lost delight Of tourney or adventure in the field Came over him, and tears but half concealed Trembled and fell upon his beard of white, So I behold these books upon their shelf, My ornaments and arms of other days; Not wholly useless, though no longer used, For they remind me of my other self, Younger and stronger, and the pleasant ways In which I walked, now clouded and confused.
Feel free to be first to leave comment.