Poem Analysis - Sundown

Initial Impression and Tone

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Sundown" is a reflective poem that captures the transition from day to night, using this natural event as a metaphor for life's journey. The poem begins with a serene and contemplative tone, describing the setting sun and the shadows it casts. However, as the poem progresses, the mood shifts to one of introspection and melancholy, inviting readers to consider the passage of time and the consequences of one's actions. The poem's form, a single stanza, supports its thematic focus on the inevitable passage of time and the finality of actions taken.

Themes of Mortality and Reflection

The poem explores the theme of mortality through the imagery of the setting sun and the turning of a page in the "book of life." The sun's descent is a powerful symbol of the end of a day, which can be seen as a metaphor for the end of life. The phrase "one mile-stone more" suggests the passage of time and the inevitability of aging and death. The speaker reflects on the "good and the evil men have done," indicating a sense of accountability and the finality of one's actions. This theme is reinforced by the line "Naught can to-day restore," which emphasizes the irreversibility of the past.

Themes of Life's Dualities

Another prominent theme is the duality of life, represented by the contrasting emotions and experiences mentioned in the poem. The speaker asks, "What hast thou given, what taken away?" This question highlights the dual nature of life, where joy and sorrow, love and hate, and happiness and desolation coexist. The poem suggests that life is a complex mix of these opposites, and each individual experiences a unique blend of these dualities. The use of the word "awful" in "O beautiful, awful summer day" underscores this duality, as "awful" can mean both "full of awe" and "terrible."

Symbolism of the Setting Sun

The setting sun is a recurring symbol in the poem, representing the end of the day and, by extension, the end of life. It is described as a "red seal" on the "good and the evil men have done," suggesting that the setting sun marks the end of opportunities to make amends or change one's actions. The sun's descent into shadow also symbolizes the passage into the unknown, much like the transition from life to death. The vivid image of the "weathercock on the spire" being a "flame of fire" adds to the sense of finality and the inevitability of change. The setting sun's glow on the tree-tops contrasts with the shadows below, emphasizing the duality of light and darkness, life and death.

Conclusion

In "Sundown," Longfellow uses the natural phenomenon of the setting sun to explore profound themes of mortality, reflection, and the dualities of life. The poem invites readers to contemplate the passage of time and the consequences of their actions, emphasizing the finality of the past. The vivid imagery of the setting sun and the contrasting emotions described in the poem create a powerful meditation on the human experience. Ultimately, "Sundown" serves as a reminder of the inevitability of change and the importance of living mindfully, as each day brings us one step closer to the end of our journey.