Poem Analysis - The Song Of Hiawatha 17 The Hunting Of Pau Puk Keewis

Overview of the Poem

The Song of Hiawatha 17: The Hunting of Pau-puk Keewis by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a vivid and dramatic narrative poem that captures the relentless pursuit of Hiawatha against the mischievous Pau-puk Keewis. The poem's tone is intense and action-packed, shifting from moments of high tension and anger to scenes of cunning and transformation. The narrative follows Hiawatha's determination to bring justice to Pau-puk Keewis, who embodies trickery and chaos. The poem's structure, with its long, flowing lines and detailed descriptions, supports the epic quality of the story, making it both engaging and thought-provoking.

Themes of Pursuit and Justice

The central theme of the poem is the relentless pursuit of justice. Hiawatha's unwavering determination to catch Pau-puk Keewis highlights the importance of justice and the consequences of mischief. The repeated phrase "Not so long and wide the world is, Not so rude and rough the way is, That my wrath shall not attain him, That my vengeance shall not reach him!" underscores Hiawatha's resolve. This theme is developed through the vivid imagery of the chase, where Hiawatha and his hunters follow Pau-puk Keewis through various landscapes, symbolizing the unending quest for justice.

Themes of Transformation and Adaptability

Another significant theme is transformation and adaptability. Pau-puk Keewis's ability to change forms—from a human to a beaver, then to a brant, and finally to a serpent—illustrates his cunning and adaptability. These transformations also serve as a metaphor for the human capacity to adapt to different situations. However, Pau-puk Keewis's transformations ultimately lead to his downfall, suggesting that excessive trickery and deception cannot escape the consequences of one's actions. The imagery of Pau-puk Keewis's various forms contributes to the poem's rich tapestry of symbols and meanings.

Themes of Nature and the Supernatural

The poem also explores the themes of nature and the supernatural. The natural world is depicted as both a refuge and a battleground. The forest, the lake, and the mountains serve as settings for the chase, while the supernatural elements, such as the Old Man of the Mountain and the thunder, play crucial roles in the resolution of the conflict. The supernatural interventions, like the lightning and thunder, emphasize the cosmic scale of Hiawatha's quest for justice. The natural world is portrayed as a living entity that supports and sometimes hinders the characters, adding depth to the narrative.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem is rich with recurring symbols and vivid imagery. The **forest** represents both the natural world and the challenges that Hiawatha faces. The **beaver** and the **brant** symbolize Pau-puk Keewis's attempts to escape justice through transformation. The **thunder and lightning** symbolize the power of nature and the supernatural, which ultimately bring about Pau-puk Keewis's downfall. The imagery of the chase, with its detailed descriptions of landscapes and actions, creates a sense of urgency and intensity. The poem's use of natural and supernatural elements underscores the epic nature of the story and the themes it explores.

Conclusion

The Song of Hiawatha 17: The Hunting of Pau-puk Keewis is a compelling narrative that explores themes of justice, transformation, and the interplay between nature and the supernatural. Through vivid imagery and symbolic elements, Longfellow crafts a story that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The poem's depiction of Hiawatha's relentless pursuit of justice and Pau-puk Keewis's cunning transformations highlights the consequences of one's actions and the power of nature to bring about resolution. The poem's enduring significance lies in its exploration of these timeless themes and its rich, evocative language.