Poem Analysis - On The Terrace Of The Aigalades

Initial Impression and Tone

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "On The Terrace Of The Aigalades" presents a serene and contemplative tone, inviting readers to a tranquil setting. The poem begins with a peaceful description of a terrace overlooking the sea, a town, and a highway, each of which speaks with its own voice. The mood shifts subtly from the initial calm to a more reflective and introspective tone as the speaker contrasts the peaceful terrace with the tumultuous world beyond. The final lines encourage a focus on the present, suggesting a theme of living in the moment.

Themes of Tranquility and Contrast

The poem explores the theme of tranquility through vivid imagery of a peaceful terrace. The speaker describes a life "full of delicious air" and "a multitude of flowers," creating a sense of serenity and contentment. This tranquility is contrasted with the chaotic and often harsh realities of the sea, town, and highway. The sea speaks of shipwrecks and drowning, the town of toil and smoke, and the highway of journeys to the North, suggesting a theme of contrast between peace and turmoil. The speaker's choice to live apart from these tumultuous elements underscores the value of a peaceful existence.

Themes of Mortality and Reflection

The theme of mortality is subtly woven into the poem through the voices of the sea, town, and highway. The sea mentions shipwrecks and those who lie asleep among sea-weeds, hinting at death. The town speaks of days "overwrought" with toil and nights where it gasps for air, suggesting a life of struggle leading to exhaustion. The highway guides to "the pale climates of the North," where people go to their death. These elements contrast with the speaker's tranquil life, encouraging reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of finding peace amidst chaos.

Symbolism of the Sea, Town, and Highway

The sea, town, and highway serve as powerful symbols in the poem. The sea represents the unpredictable and often dangerous aspects of life, with its shipwrecks and icy tempests. The town symbolizes the hustle and bustle of daily life, filled with toil and care. The highway signifies journeys and transitions, often leading to final destinations. These symbols collectively represent the challenges and struggles of life, which the speaker chooses to leave behind in favor of a more peaceful existence. The terrace, with its flowers and delicious air, symbolizes a refuge from these struggles, offering a place of rest and reflection.

Conclusion

In "On The Terrace Of The Aigalades," Longfellow invites readers to contemplate the value of tranquility and the importance of living in the present. Through vivid imagery and symbolic elements, the poem contrasts the peaceful terrace with the tumultuous world beyond, encouraging a reflection on mortality and the fleeting nature of life. The speaker's choice to live apart from the sea, town, and highway underscores the significance of finding peace and contentment amidst life's challenges. The poem ultimately suggests that by focusing on the present and the simple pleasures of life, one can find a deeper sense of fulfillment and tranquility.