Poem Analysis - Song Spanish

Initial Impression and Tone

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Song Spanish" presents a stark and disillusioned view of love. The poem's tone is bitter and accusatory, with the speaker repeatedly denouncing love as perjured, false, and treacherous. The mood shifts slightly between each stanza, but the overall sentiment remains consistently negative. The repetition of the phrase "Ah, Love!" at the beginning of each stanza serves as a mournful refrain, emphasizing the speaker's anguish and disillusionment.

Themes of Betrayal and Disillusionment

The primary theme of the poem is the betrayal and disillusionment that can come with love. The speaker views love as an enemy, using strong, negative language to describe it. The phrase "Perjured, false, treacherous Love!" is repeated three times, driving home the idea that love is inherently deceitful. The speaker feels that love is most untrue to those who are most faithful, suggesting a deep sense of betrayal. This theme is developed through the use of stark, accusatory language and the repetition of negative descriptors.

The Deceptive Nature of Love

Another significant theme is the deceptive nature of love. The speaker suggests that the pleasures and sweets of love are merely illusions, or "cheats." The imagery of "Thorns below and flowers above" is particularly vivid, suggesting that love appears beautiful and pleasant on the surface but hides pain and suffering underneath. This theme is reinforced by the use of the word "deceits," which implies that love actively misleads and tricks those who experience it. The speaker's use of the word "cheats" further emphasizes this idea, suggesting that love is a form of trickery or deceit.

Symbolism of the Falcon and the Dove

The poem contains a striking image of the falcon with the eyes of the dove. This symbol is ambiguous and open to interpretation. The falcon is typically a symbol of strength and predation, while the dove is a symbol of peace and innocence. The combination of these two birds suggests a blend of strength and deception, or perhaps a predator disguised as something innocent. This image contributes to the overall message of the poem by reinforcing the idea that love is not what it seems. It may also suggest that the speaker feels both powerful and vulnerable in their experience of love. Why does the speaker use this particular image to convey their feelings about love? What other interpretations might there be?

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Song Spanish" is a powerful exploration of the dark side of love. Through its use of vivid imagery, stark language, and recurring symbols, the poem conveys a sense of betrayal, disillusionment, and deception. The speaker's repeated denunciations of love as perjured, false, and treacherous drive home the idea that love is not a force for good but rather an enemy of mankind. The poem's form, with its repeated refrain and shifting moods, supports this message by creating a sense of relentless, bitter lament. Ultimately, the poem serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of love, warning readers to be wary of its deceptive nature.