Poem Analysis - The Skeleton In Armor

Overall Impression and Tone

The Skeleton in Armor by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a narrative poem that tells the story of a Viking warrior who returns from the dead to share his life story. The poem begins with a haunting and fearful tone, as the speaker encounters a skeleton in armor. The mood shifts to a more reflective and melancholic tone as the skeleton recounts his past, revealing themes of love, loss, and the consequences of a violent life. The poem concludes with a sense of resolution and acceptance, as the skeleton's spirit finds peace.

Historical and Authorial Context

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was an American poet who often drew inspiration from Norse mythology and medieval legends. The Skeleton in Armor reflects his interest in these themes, as well as his fascination with the heroic and tragic aspects of Viking culture. The poem was published in 1841, during a time when there was a growing interest in European folklore and mythology in America. This context helps to explain the poem's focus on ancient Norse traditions and its use of vivid, mythical imagery.

Themes of Love and Loss

The poem explores the theme of love and loss through the skeleton's memories of his relationship with a blue-eyed maiden. The skeleton recalls his love for her and the joy they shared, but also the pain of being separated from her. The imagery of the maiden's "mild blue eyes" and her "little breast, like birds within their nest" emphasizes her innocence and vulnerability. The skeleton's inability to protect her and the tragic consequences of their separation highlight the destructive power of love and the pain of loss. The poem suggests that love, even when it ends in tragedy, can leave a lasting impact on the heart.

Themes of Mortality and the Consequences of Violence

The skeleton's story also explores the theme of mortality and the consequences of a violent life. The skeleton was a Viking warrior who lived a life of violence and bloodshed. His memories of his violent deeds and the pain they caused are a stark reminder of the destructive power of violence. The skeleton's death and his return as a skeleton in armor emphasize the finality of death and the consequences of a life lived in violence. The poem suggests that violence and bloodshed can have lasting consequences, even beyond the grave.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The skeleton in armor is a powerful symbol in the poem, representing the consequences of a violent life and the finality of death. The skeleton's armor, which he wears even in death, is a reminder of his past as a warrior and the violence he committed. The skeleton's hollow breast and cavernous eyes emphasize his lifelessness and the emptiness of his existence. The skeleton's story also features vivid imagery of the natural world, such as the "wild Baltic's strand" and the "vast forest." These images emphasize the beauty and power of nature, as well as the contrast between the natural world and the violence of human life. The poem's use of Norse mythology and folklore, such as the mention of the "Berserk's tale" and the "were-wolf's bark," adds to the poem's sense of mystery and otherworldliness.

Conclusion

The Skeleton in Armor is a powerful exploration of love, loss, and the consequences of violence. Through the story of a Viking warrior who returns from the dead, the poem examines the destructive power of love and the pain of loss, as well as the finality of death and the consequences of a life lived in violence. The poem's vivid imagery and use of Norse mythology and folklore add to its sense of mystery and otherworldliness. Ultimately, the poem suggests that even in death, the consequences of our actions can have a lasting impact on our souls.