Poem Analysis - Snow Flakes

Initial Impression and Tone

Henry Wadsworth Longfellows Snow-flakes is a contemplative and melancholic poem that uses the natural phenomenon of snowfall to explore deeper emotional and psychological states. The poem begins with a serene and almost mystical description of snow descending from the sky, creating a calm and reflective tone. However, as the poem progresses, it shifts to a more somber mood, revealing themes of despair and introspection. The language is rich and evocative, inviting readers to ponder the hidden meanings behind the simple act of snow falling.

Themes of Nature and Emotion

The poem develops several interconnected themes, with nature serving as a metaphor for human emotions. The snowflakes are described as descending silently and softly, mirroring the quiet, introspective mood of the speaker. This imagery suggests a connection between the natural world and the inner world of the human psyche. The snowflakes are also personified, taking on human-like qualities, which reinforces the idea that nature can reflect and amplify our emotions. The poem implies that just as the snow reveals the grief of the sky, our own emotions can be revealed through natural phenomena.

The Secret of Despair

One of the central themes is the concept of hidden despair. The poem suggests that just as the sky holds its grief in its cloudy bosom, humans too can harbor deep, unspoken sorrows. The snowflakes, described as the poem of the air, whisper the secret of despair that has been long hoarded. This theme is developed through the use of imagery related to concealment and revelation. The snowflakes, which seem innocuous and beautiful, actually carry a profound message about the human condition. The poem invites readers to consider the hidden emotions that lie beneath the surface of everyday life.

Symbolism of Snow and Clouds

The snow and clouds are recurring symbols in the poem, each carrying multiple layers of meaning. The snowflakes represent the silent, slow revelation of hidden emotions. They are described as descending softly and slowly, suggesting a gentle but inevitable disclosure of what has been kept secret. The clouds, on the other hand, symbolize the troubled heart and the troubled sky, both of which hold their grief until it is revealed. The clouds are personified as having a bosom, which emphasizes the idea of concealment and the eventual revelation of what is hidden within. The clouds also represent the divine expression of our cloudy fancies, suggesting that our deepest thoughts and emotions can find expression in the natural world.

Conclusion and Significance

The poem Snow-flakes by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow uses the natural imagery of snow and clouds to explore themes of hidden despair and the revelation of emotions. Through vivid and evocative language, the poem invites readers to consider the deeper meanings behind everyday phenomena. The snowflakes, with their silent and slow descent, symbolize the gradual revelation of what has been long hidden. The clouds, with their troubled and grief-stricken nature, represent the human heart and its capacity for both concealment and expression. Ultimately, the poem suggests that nature can serve as a mirror for our own emotions, revealing the secrets that we hold within.