Poem Analysis - Sir Humphrey Gilbert

Overall Impression and Tone

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Sir Humphrey Gilbert" is a haunting and melancholic poem that tells the tale of a doomed voyage. The poem's tone is somber and reflective, with a sense of inevitable tragedy. The mood shifts from a description of a ghostly fleet to the calm resignation of Sir Humphrey Gilbert as he faces his fate. The poem's narrative structure, moving from the ominous presence of Death to the final, mysterious disappearance of the fleet, supports the overall sense of foreboding and loss.

Themes of Mortality and Fate

The poem explores the theme of mortality through the personification of Death as a corsair, or pirate, sailing a fleet of ice. This imagery suggests that death is an inescapable force, as relentless and cold as ice. The phrase "the fleet of Death rose all around" emphasizes the inevitability of death, which comes without warning or signal. Sir Humphrey's acceptance of his fate, as he reads from a book and reassures himself that "Heaven is as near by water as by land," highlights the theme of fate. His calm resignation in the face of death underscores the idea that, despite our efforts, fate ultimately determines our end.

Themes of Isolation and the Sea

The sea serves as a powerful symbol of isolation and the unknown. Sir Humphrey's voyage is cut short by the failure of the land-wind, leaving him adrift and isolated. The sea's vastness and unpredictability mirror the isolation and uncertainty of life. The phrase "out of the sea, mysteriously, the fleet of Death rose all around" emphasizes the sea's role as a source of both mystery and danger. The final lines, where the fleet drifts southward and vanishes, reinforce the theme of isolation, as the characters disappear into the vast, unknowable sea.

Symbolism of the Fleet of Death

The fleet of Death is a vivid and recurring symbol in the poem. Described as "lordly ships of ice" with "sails of white sea-mist," the fleet is both majestic and terrifying. The ice and mist suggest coldness and uncertainty, while the "flashing crystal streamlets" running on each side add a sense of movement and life. The fleet's appearance without a signal and its mysterious disappearance contribute to its symbolism as an inescapable and unpredictable force. The fleet's final drift into the Gulf-Stream and its vanishing like a dream can be interpreted as a metaphor for the passage of life and the inevitability of death. The ambiguity of the fleet's final disappearance leaves room for interpretation, inviting readers to consider their own views on mortality and the unknown.

Conclusion

In "Sir Humphrey Gilbert," Longfellow weaves a tale of fate, isolation, and mortality, using vivid imagery and powerful symbolism. The poem's exploration of these themes through the lens of a doomed voyage serves as a reminder of life's uncertainties and the inescapable nature of death. The fleet of Death, with its icy ships and mysterious movements, stands as a stark symbol of the unknown and the inevitable. Ultimately, the poem invites readers to reflect on their own journeys and the inevitable end that awaits us all.