Poem Analysis - The Song Of Hiawatha 11 Hiawathas Wedding Feast

An Overview of Celebration and Joy

The Song of Hiawatha 11: Hiawatha's Wedding-feast by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow captures the vibrant and joyous atmosphere of a grand wedding celebration. The poem begins with a lively tone, describing the preparations and festivities of Hiawatha's wedding. The mood shifts subtly as different characters perform, each bringing their unique talents to the feast. The overall impression is one of communal joy and celebration, with a touch of humor and a hint of underlying tension.

Themes of Community and Hospitality

The poem emphasizes the importance of community and hospitality. The wedding feast is a communal event where everyone is invited and welcomed. The guests are described as being clad in their richest raiment, indicating the significance of the occasion and the effort put into making it a memorable event. The hosts, Hiawatha, Laughing Water, and Nokomis, serve their guests with humility and care, ensuring that everyone is contented. This theme is reinforced through the detailed descriptions of the food and the guests' attire, highlighting the communal effort and the shared joy of the celebration.

Themes of Talent and Performance

The poem also explores the theme of talent and performance. Each character brings a unique skill to the feast, contributing to the overall joy and entertainment. Pau-Puk-Keewis, the dancer, performs his Beggar's Dance, creating a whirlwind of excitement. Chibiabos, the musician, sings songs of love and longing, adding a tender and emotional element to the celebration. Iagoo, the storyteller, boasts of his adventures, providing entertainment and humor. These performances not only entertain the guests but also highlight the individual talents and contributions of each character, emphasizing the diversity and richness of the community.

Themes of Jealousy and Rivalry

Underneath the surface of joy and celebration, there is a subtle theme of jealousy and rivalry. Iagoo, the storyteller, is jealous of Chibiabos' popularity and the applause he receives. This jealousy is evident in Iagoo's boasting and his desire to outdo Chibiabos with his own tales. This theme adds a layer of complexity to the poem, showing that even in times of celebration, personal rivalries and insecurities can surface. The tension between Iagoo and Chibiabos serves as a reminder of the human condition, where envy and competition can coexist with joy and camaraderie.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem is rich in vivid imagery and symbolism. The detailed descriptions of the food, the guests' attire, and the performances create a vivid picture of the celebration. The food, for example, symbolizes abundance and hospitality, while the guests' rich attire represents their cultural heritage and the significance of the occasion. The performances of Pau-Puk-Keewis, Chibiabos, and Iagoo are symbolic of their individual talents and contributions to the community. The whirlwind created by Pau-Puk-Keewis' dance can be seen as a metaphor for the excitement and energy of the celebration, while the songs of Chibiabos represent the emotional depth and tenderness of human connections. The boasting of Iagoo, on the other hand, symbolizes the human tendency towards self-aggrandizement and competition.

Conclusion

The Song of Hiawatha 11: Hiawatha's Wedding-feast is a celebration of community, talent, and hospitality. Through vivid imagery and symbolism, Longfellow paints a picture of a joyous and vibrant celebration, where each character brings their unique talents to contribute to the overall joy. The poem also touches on the themes of jealousy and rivalry, adding a layer of complexity to the celebration. The detailed descriptions and performances highlight the richness and diversity of the community, making the poem a beautiful tribute to the human spirit and the power of communal celebration.