Poem Analysis - The Sermon Of St Francis

An Overview of The Sermon of St. Francis

The Sermon of St. Francis by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a reflective and spiritual poem that captures a moment of divine connection between St. Francis and the birds. The tone is serene and contemplative, with a shift towards a more didactic and inspirational mood as St. Francis delivers his sermon. The poem is structured in a narrative form, which supports the storytelling aspect of the piece, making it accessible and engaging.

Themes of Divine Connection and Nature's Harmony

The poem explores several themes, with divine connection and nature's harmony being the most prominent. The opening lines describe a lark soaring into the air, symbolizing a soul released from pain and flying back to heaven. This imagery sets the stage for the theme of divine connection, as St. Francis interprets the lark's flight as an emblem of the Seraphim, celestial beings associated with divine love and purity. The birds, described as God's poor, come to St. Francis for food, but he offers them spiritual sustenance instead, emphasizing the theme of divine connection through spiritual nourishment.

The theme of nature's harmony is evident in the way St. Francis addresses the birds as brothers and praises their natural beauty and abilities. He acknowledges that God provides for them, highlighting the interconnectedness of all living things and the harmony that exists within nature. This theme is further reinforced by the birds' response to St. Francis' sermon, as they rise together in a flutter of wings and songs, scattering apart in harmony.

Symbolism of Birds and Spiritual Enlightenment

The birds in the poem serve as powerful symbols of spiritual enlightenment and divine connection. They are described as God's poor, emphasizing their humility and dependence on divine providence. St. Francis' sermon to the birds is a metaphor for his spiritual teachings, which he offers as manna from heaven. The birds' response to his sermon, rising together in a flutter of wings and songs, symbolizes the spiritual upliftment and harmony that can be achieved through divine connection.

The lark, in particular, is a recurring symbol in the poem, representing a soul released from pain and flying back to heaven. This imagery is echoed in the birds' response to St. Francis' sermon, as they rise together in a flutter of wings and songs, scattering apart in harmony. The lark's flight also symbolizes the upward motion of the fire, the light, the heat, and the heart's desire, all of which are associated with spiritual enlightenment and divine connection.

The Significance of St. Francis' Sermon

The poem concludes with St. Francis reflecting on the impact of his sermon, noting that he does not know if the birds understood his words but is content that the meaning of his words was clear to one ear. This ambiguity leaves room for interpretation, but it also underscores the universal and timeless nature of St. Francis' teachings. The poem's final lines emphasize the deep peace that St. Francis feels, suggesting that the true significance of his sermon lies in the spiritual connection and harmony that it fosters, rather than in its literal understanding.