Poem Analysis - The Song Of Hiawatha 20 The Famine

An Atmosphere of Despair and Loss

The Song of Hiawatha 20: The Famine by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a poignant narrative that captures the harsh realities of a severe winter and the devastating effects of famine and disease on a community. The poem's tone is predominantly somber and melancholic, reflecting the despair and suffering of the characters. There are shifts in mood, from the initial description of the harsh winter to the personal anguish of Hiawatha and the tragic death of Minnehaha. The narrative structure of the poem supports the overall meaning by allowing the reader to experience the progression of events and the deepening of emotions.

Themes of Suffering and Mortality

The poem explores several themes, with suffering and mortality being the most prominent. The harsh winter and the ensuing famine and fever serve as catalysts for the suffering experienced by the community. The imagery of the long, dreary winter and the hungry stars in heaven like the eyes of wolves glaring at them emphasizes the relentless and unforgiving nature of their plight. The theme of mortality is vividly depicted through the death of Minnehaha, which serves as the climax of the poem. Her death is described in stark and poignant terms, highlighting the finality and inevitability of death in the face of such hardship.

The Power of Love and Loss

Another significant theme is the power of love and the profound impact of loss. Hiawatha's love for Minnehaha is evident in his desperate plea to Gitche Manito for food and his anguished cry upon finding her dead. The repetition of Minnehaha's name and the description of her as the beloved underscore the depth of their bond. The loss of Minnehaha is a devastating blow to Hiawatha, and his grief is palpable. The poem suggests that love, even in the face of such overwhelming adversity, can be a source of both joy and profound sorrow.

Symbolism of the Winter and the Forest

The winter and the forest are recurring symbols in the poem, representing both the physical and emotional landscapes of the characters. The winter symbolizes the harsh and unforgiving conditions that the community must endure, while the forest represents the vast and often isolating environment in which they live. The forest is described as vast and vacant, reflecting the emptiness and desolation felt by the characters. The contrast between the pleasant days of summer and the harsh winter underscores the starkness of their current situation. The forest also serves as a setting for Hiawatha's desperate search for food and his eventual return to find Minnehaha dead, highlighting the interconnectedness of the natural world and the characters' experiences.

The Significance of the Poem

The Song of Hiawatha 20: The Famine is a powerful exploration of human suffering, love, and loss. Through vivid imagery and a somber tone, Longfellow conveys the devastating impact of famine and disease on a community. The poem's themes of mortality and the power of love are deeply intertwined, highlighting the resilience and vulnerability of the human spirit. The symbols of the winter and the forest serve to deepen the emotional resonance of the poem, making it a poignant and enduring work of literature. The poem's significance lies in its ability to evoke empathy and understanding for the struggles of others, reminding us of the universal experiences of love, loss, and the enduring power of the human spirit.