Poem Analysis - The Reaper And The Flowers

An Overview of Themes and Tone

The Reaper And The Flowers by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow presents a poignant reflection on mortality and the cycle of life and death. The poem begins with a somber tone, depicting Death as a reaper who harvests both grain and flowers. However, as the poem progresses, the tone shifts to one of acceptance and even hope, suggesting that death is not an end but a transition to a better place. The poem's form, with its narrative structure and conversational tone, supports this shift, making the abstract concept of death more accessible and less frightening.

Historical and Biographical Context

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, a prominent American poet of the 19th century, often explored themes of loss and consolation in his work. This poem, published in 1839, reflects the Romantic era's fascination with nature and the supernatural, as well as its interest in exploring the emotional and spiritual dimensions of human experience. Longfellow's personal life was marked by tragedy, including the loss of his first wife and later his second wife in a tragic fire. These experiences likely influenced his contemplative and consoling approach to the theme of death in this poem.

The Theme of Mortality

The central theme of the poem is mortality, presented through the personification of Death as a reaper. The reaper's sickle and the act of reaping symbolize the inevitability and indiscriminate nature of death. The reaper's question, Shall I have nought that is fair? Have nought but the bearded grain?, suggests a reluctance to take the beautiful flowers, indicating that death is not cruel but necessary. The reaper's tears and kisses further humanize death, making it less frightening. The poem's consoling message is that death is not an end but a transition to a better place, where the flowers will bloom in fields of light.

The Theme of Acceptance

The poem also explores the theme of acceptance. The mother's tears and pain at giving up her flowers show the difficulty of accepting loss. However, her belief that she will find them again in the fields of light above suggests a deep faith and acceptance of the natural order. The reaper's smile and the angelic visit further emphasize the poem's message of acceptance and hope. The poem's final lines, 'Twas an angel visited the green earth, And took the flowers away, reinforce this theme, presenting death as a gentle and necessary part of life.

The Theme of Transition

The theme of transition is closely tied to the themes of mortality and acceptance. The reaper's words, They shall all bloom in fields of light, Transplanted by my care, And saints, upon their garments white, These sacred blossoms wear, suggest that death is a transition to a better place. The flowers, symbols of beauty and life, will continue to bloom in the afterlife, suggesting that life and beauty are not destroyed by death but transformed. This theme of transition is further emphasized by the poem's final lines, which present death as an angelic visit, a temporary separation rather than a permanent loss.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem is rich in symbolism and imagery. The reaper and his sickle are powerful symbols of death, while the flowers represent beauty, life, and the fleeting nature of existence. The reaper's tears and kisses humanize death, making it less frightening. The fields of light and the saints' garments symbolize the afterlife, a place of beauty and peace. The poem's imagery is vivid and evocative, supporting its themes and enhancing its emotional impact. The flowers, in particular, are a recurring symbol, representing both the beauty of life and the inevitability of death. The reaper's decision to take the flowers, despite their beauty, underscores the poem's message that death is a necessary and inevitable part of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Reaper And The Flowers is a poignant exploration of mortality, acceptance, and transition. Through vivid imagery and powerful symbolism, Longfellow presents death as a necessary and inevitable part of life, a transition to a better place. The poem's consoling message is that life and beauty are not destroyed by death but transformed, a message that offers hope and comfort in the face of loss. The poem's final lines, 'Twas an angel visited the green earth, And took the flowers away, reinforce this message, presenting death as a gentle and necessary part of life. The poem's themes and messages are universal, resonating with readers across time and culture.