Poem Analysis - Ovid In Exile At Tomis In Bessarabia Near The Mouths Of The Danube

Overall Impression and Tone

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem Ovid In Exile, At Tomis, In Bessarabia, Near The Mouths Of The Danube is a vivid and melancholic exploration of exile and longing. The poem is written in the voice of the Roman poet Ovid, who was banished to the remote region of Tomis by the Roman emperor Augustus. The tone is predominantly somber and reflective, with moments of stark imagery and a sense of isolation. The mood shifts from the harsh realities of exile to a longing for home and news from Rome, highlighting the emotional turmoil of the exiled poet.

Author's Background and Historical Context

Longfellow, an American poet, was deeply influenced by classical literature and often drew inspiration from ancient texts. Ovid's exile was a historical event, and Longfellow uses this context to explore themes of displacement and the human condition. Ovid was banished to Tomis, a remote and harsh region, for reasons that remain unclear, adding a layer of mystery and tragedy to his story. This historical backdrop enriches the poem, making it a poignant reflection on the consequences of political and personal exile.

Themes of Isolation and Longing

The poem prominently features the theme of isolation, which is developed through vivid descriptions of the harsh, unforgiving landscape of Tomis. The lines "Fierce Sarmatians encompass me round, and the Bessi and Getae" and "I am existing still, here in a barbarous land" underscore the poet's sense of being cut off from civilization and the comforts of home. The imagery of the "barbarous land" and the "stars which never set in the ocean" emphasizes the poet's physical and emotional distance from Rome. This isolation is further highlighted by the contrast between the harsh winter and the relative warmth of the intervening Ister river, symbolizing the fleeting moments of respite in an otherwise bleak existence.

Themes of Nature and Survival

The theme of nature and survival is explored through the stark descriptions of the natural world in Tomis. The poem describes the harsh winter, where "the snow hurled under Arcturus" and "Boreas hardens it still, makes it forever remain." This imagery of unyielding nature contrasts with the poet's longing for the familiar and the comfortable. The natural world in Tomis is not just a backdrop but an active force that shapes the poet's experience of exile. The "vast Black Sea of ice all compacted" and the "indurate ocean" serve as powerful symbols of the poet's entrapment and the relentless challenges he faces. The contrast between the frozen landscape and the poet's longing for warmth and familiarity underscores the theme of survival in a hostile environment.

Themes of Memory and Connection

The theme of memory and connection is developed through the poet's reflections on Rome and his desire for news from home. The lines "Should any one there in Rome remember Ovid the exile" and "Tell him that under stars which never set in the ocean I am existing still, here in a barbarous land" highlight the poet's longing for recognition and connection. The poet's imagination of the spring in Rome, with "the boys and the laughing girls the violet gather" and "the meadows are blooming with flowers of various colors," serves as a stark contrast to his own harsh reality. This contrast underscores the poet's sense of loss and his deep longing for the familiar and the beloved. The poet's anticipation of a visitor from Rome, who might bring news of Caesar's triumphs and the vows paid to Latian Jove, further emphasizes his desire for connection and a sense of belonging.

Recurring Symbols and Vivid Images

The poem is rich with recurring symbols and vivid images that contribute to its overall message. The "Ister" river, which "defends us" and "repels inroads of war with his waves," symbolizes a source of protection and resilience in an otherwise hostile environment. The "snow" and "ice" serve as powerful symbols of the poet's entrapment and the harsh realities of his exile. The "Black Sea of ice" and the "indurate ocean" further emphasize the poet's sense of being frozen in time and place, unable to escape his circumstances. The contrast between the frozen landscape and the poet's longing for warmth and familiarity underscores the theme of survival in a hostile environment. The "violet" and the "flowers of various colors" in Rome symbolize the beauty and vibrancy of life that the poet longs for but cannot experience in his exile.

Conclusion

Longfellow's Ovid In Exile, At Tomis, In Bessarabia, Near The Mouths Of The Danube is a poignant exploration of exile, isolation, and longing. Through vivid imagery and a reflective tone, the poem captures the emotional turmoil of the exiled poet, highlighting the contrast between the harsh realities of exile and the longing for home and connection. The recurring symbols of nature and the stark descriptions of the landscape serve as powerful reminders of the poet's entrapment and the challenges he faces. Ultimately, the poem offers a profound insight into the human condition, emphasizing the enduring power of memory and the deep longing for belonging.