Poem Analysis - Sleep

Overall Impression and Tone

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem Sleep is a reflective and somber piece that explores the speaker's longing for rest and escape from mental turmoil. The tone is melancholic and introspective, with a sense of weariness and desperation. The poem shifts from a plea for sleep to a philosophical reflection on the nature of sleep and death, creating a mood that oscillates between longing and resignation. The speaker's plea for relief from pain and anxiety is palpable, and the poem's form, with its rhythmic and soothing language, mirrors the desired state of sleep.

Themes of Longing and Escape

The primary theme of the poem is the longing for escape from mental and emotional distress. The speaker is overwhelmed by too much toil and care, and the iron crown of anguish signifies the burden of his troubles. The imagery of the hundred wakeful eyes of thought being sealed up by Hermes with his lyre suggests a desire to shut out the relentless thoughts that keep the speaker awake. The speaker's plea to the winds and to Sleep itself to provide relief underscores this theme of escape. The use of the word fitful to describe the sound of the winds adds to the sense of restlessness and the need for calm.

Themes of Mortality and Mystery

The poem also delves into the theme of mortality, particularly in the final lines. The reference to the Greek concept of sleep as the lesser mystery at the feast, where the greater mystery is death, adds a layer of philosophical depth. This comparison suggests that sleep is a temporary respite from the ultimate mystery of death. The speaker's desire for uninterrupted breath implies a longing for a state of peace that is often associated with death. The use of the word mystery adds an element of the unknown and the unknowable, highlighting the speaker's acceptance of the inevitable.

Symbolism of Sleep and the Aeolian Harp

The symbol of sleep is central to the poem, representing both a desired state of rest and a metaphor for escape from pain. The Aeolian harp, which produces sound from the wind, is a recurring image that symbolizes the delicate and ephemeral nature of the speaker's thoughts. The fitful sound of the harp strings caught by the wind reflects the speaker's restless mind. The harp's strings being caught by the wind also suggests a sense of being at the mercy of external forces, which adds to the speaker's sense of overwhelm. The subtle meaning of sleep as the lesser mystery compared to death is a profound symbol that invites contemplation on the nature of existence and the inevitability of mortality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Longfellow's Sleep is a poignant exploration of the human desire for rest and escape from mental anguish. Through vivid imagery and philosophical reflection, the poem delves into themes of longing, mortality, and the mystery of existence. The symbolism of sleep and the Aeolian harp enriches the poem's message, inviting readers to contemplate their own struggles and the ultimate mystery of death. The poem's significance lies in its universal appeal to the human experience of weariness and the longing for peace.