Poem Analysis - Rain In Summer

Overall Impression and Tone

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Rain In Summer" is a vivid and sensory-rich poem that celebrates the beauty and benefits of rain. The poem begins with a joyful and appreciative tone, capturing the delight of rain after a period of heat and dust. This tone shifts slightly as the poem progresses, incorporating elements of reflection and deeper contemplation, particularly in the final stanzas. The poem's form, with its varied line lengths and rhythmic flow, mirrors the unpredictable and refreshing nature of rain itself.

Themes of Renewal and Appreciation

The primary theme of "Rain In Summer" is the renewal and refreshment that rain brings. Longfellow describes the rain's impact on various settings, from urban streets to rural fields, highlighting its universal benefit. The rain is welcomed by the sick man who finds relief, by children who play in the streets, and by farmers who see their crops revived. This theme is developed through vivid imagery of the rain's sounds and movements, such as "clatters along the roofs" and "gushes and struggles out from the throat of the overflowing spout." The rain's ability to bring life and joy to different people and places underscores its essential role in nature's cycle.

The Poet's Vision and Connection to Nature

Another significant theme is the poet's unique vision and connection to nature. Longfellow contrasts the practical, earthly benefits of rain with the poet's ability to see beyond the immediate. The poet envisions Aquarius, the water-bearer, and follows the water's journey through the earth and back to the heavens. This theme is expressed through symbols of the "fenceless fields of air" and the "bridge of colors seven," representing the poet's expansive and mystical perspective. The poet's vision allows him to see the "perpetual round of strange, mysterious change," connecting the natural world to a broader, cosmic cycle.

Symbolism of Water and Renewal

The recurring symbol of water is central to the poem's meaning. Water, in the form of rain, represents renewal, life, and connection. It cleanses the streets, revives the land, and brings joy to people. The rain's journey, from the clouds to the earth and back to the heavens, symbolizes the continuous cycle of life and death, birth and rebirth. The poet's ability to follow this journey highlights his deep connection to nature and his role as a seer, capable of perceiving the unseen and the eternal. The water's movement also reflects the passage of time, as it flows through "chasms and gulfs profound" and returns to the sky, embodying the "rapid and rushing river of Time."

Conclusion

"Rain In Summer" is a celebration of nature's renewal and the poet's unique vision. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, Longfellow captures the beauty and benefits of rain, highlighting its universal impact on people and the natural world. The poem's final stanzas reveal the poet's ability to see beyond the immediate, connecting the rain's journey to a broader, cosmic cycle. This connection underscores the poem's significance, reminding readers of the interconnectedness of all things and the eternal cycle of life and death. The poem invites readers to appreciate the simple yet profound beauty of rain and to see the world through the poet's eyes, filled with wonder and insight.