Poem Analysis - Nuremberg

Overall Impression and Tone

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Nuremberg" is a reflective and nostalgic poem that celebrates the historical and cultural richness of the ancient city of Nuremberg. The poem's tone is initially reverent and awe-struck, as the speaker marvels at the city's architectural and artistic heritage. However, there is a noticeable shift towards melancholy and introspection as the poem progresses, reflecting on the passage of time and the enduring legacy of art and labor. The speaker's admiration for the city's past contrasts with a sense of loss and change, creating a bittersweet atmosphere.

Historical and Cultural Context

Longfellow, a prominent American poet of the 19th century, was deeply influenced by European culture and history. His fascination with Nuremberg, a city known for its medieval architecture and artistic heritage, is evident in the poem. Nuremberg was a significant cultural and economic center during the Middle Ages, and Longfellow's poem captures the essence of this period, highlighting the contributions of artists like Albrecht Dürer and poets like Hans Sachs. The poem reflects Longfellow's appreciation for the enduring power of art and craftsmanship, which transcends time and place.

Themes: Art and Cultural Heritage

The poem celebrates the enduring legacy of art and cultural heritage. Longfellow uses vivid imagery to describe the architectural and artistic wonders of Nuremberg, such as the "mighty linden" and the "fountains wrought with richest sculpture." These images symbolize the city's rich cultural heritage and the enduring power of art. The poem emphasizes that it is the city's artists and craftsmen, rather than its rulers, who win the world's regard. This theme is underscored by the speaker's admiration for Albrecht Dürer and Hans Sachs, who represent the nobility of labor and the enduring legacy of art.

Themes: The Passage of Time

The theme of the passage of time is central to the poem. Longfellow uses the contrast between the city's past glory and its present state to highlight the inevitability of change. The speaker notes that the house of Hans Sachs is now an ale-house, and the "ancient splendor" has vanished. This contrast creates a sense of melancholy and introspection, as the speaker reflects on the transience of human achievements. The poem suggests that while individual lives and structures may fade, the spirit of art and labor endures, as symbolized by the "Emigravit" inscription on Dürer's tombstone.

Themes: The Nobility of Labor

The poem also explores the theme of the nobility of labor. Longfellow celebrates the contributions of artisans and craftsmen, who are often overlooked in favor of rulers and nobles. The speaker admires the "brave and thrifty burghers" who built Nuremberg's great imperial city and the "Mastersingers" who chanted poetic strains. The poem suggests that labor, whether artistic or manual, is a noble and enduring pursuit. This theme is reinforced by the speaker's admiration for Albrecht Dürer, the "Evangelist of Art," and Hans Sachs, the "cobbler-bard," who represent the enduring legacy of labor and creativity.

Recurring Symbols and Images

The poem is rich in symbolic imagery that reinforces its themes. The "mighty linden" planted by Queen Cunigunde symbolizes the enduring legacy of art and culture. The "fountains wrought with richest sculpture" and the "saints and bishops carved in stone" represent the city's artistic heritage. The "Emigravit" inscription on Dürer's tombstone symbolizes the enduring spirit of art, which transcends death. The "faded tapestry" of memories and the contrast between the past and present highlight the passage of time and the transience of human achievements. The poem's vivid imagery creates a sense of nostalgia and reverence for the city's cultural heritage, while also reflecting on the enduring power of art and labor.

Conclusion

In "Nuremberg," Longfellow offers a poignant reflection on the enduring legacy of art and labor. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, the poem celebrates the cultural heritage of Nuremberg and the contributions of its artisans and craftsmen. The contrast between the city's past glory and its present state highlights the passage of time and the transience of human achievements. However, the poem suggests that the spirit of art and labor endures, as symbolized by the enduring legacy of Albrecht Dürer and Hans Sachs. The poem's final insight is that the true nobility of a city lies not in its rulers or councils, but in the enduring contributions of its artists and craftsmen.