Poem Analysis - Tales Of A Wayside Inn Part 2 Interlude 2

Overall Impression and Tone

Tales Of A Wayside Inn : Part 2. Interlude 2 by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow presents a conversation between characters in a narrative frame, shifting from one tale to another. The poem begins with a reflective and somewhat melancholic tone, as the Student expresses a desire for a different kind of story. The mood then shifts to a more lighthearted and whimsical tone as the Student introduces a new tale, suggesting a need for a merrier story to lift the spirits on a dismal day. The poem's form, with its conversational style and narrative shifts, supports the idea of storytelling as a communal and dynamic experience.

Historical and Cultural Context

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, a prominent American poet of the 19th century, often drew from various cultural and historical sources in his works. This poem reflects his interest in Eastern tales and legends, which were popular in Western literature during his time. The references to Judah Rav, the Gulistan, and other Eastern figures and places indicate Longfellow's engagement with a broader, more global literary tradition. This context enriches the poem with layers of cultural and historical depth, making it a rich tapestry of storytelling traditions.

Themes of Storytelling and Escapism

The poem explores the theme of storytelling as a means of escapism. The Student's desire for a different tale, one that can clear the dark and heavy atmosphere, highlights the power of stories to transport listeners to different times and places. The mention of a glittering caravan and the regions of Cathay evokes vivid, exotic imagery, suggesting that storytelling can offer an escape from the mundane and the dreary. The Student's insistence on a merrier tale underscores the idea that stories can provide comfort and distraction from life's difficulties.

Themes of Time and Mortality

The theme of time and mortality is subtly woven into the poem. The Student's reference to a king who saw the eyes of a long-dead person in his dreams touches on the idea of mortality and the enduring power of memory. The phrase all the rest was dust emphasizes the transience of life, contrasting with the enduring lust for power. The Student's dismissal of the exact year in which the new tale takes place, stating that it was long ago, further emphasizes the timelessness of stories and their ability to transcend the boundaries of time.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem is rich with vivid imagery that contributes to its themes. The glittering caravan and the road to Ispahan evoke a sense of journey and adventure, symbolizing the escapist power of storytelling. The dismal day and the dark and heavy atmosphere serve as contrasts to the merrier tale the Student promises, highlighting the transformative potential of stories. The eyes of the long-dead person in the king's dream are a striking image that symbolizes the enduring power of memory and the persistence of certain desires beyond death. This image raises questions about the nature of memory and the afterlife, inviting readers to ponder the mysteries of existence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tales Of A Wayside Inn : Part 2. Interlude 2 by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a rich exploration of the power of storytelling. Through its vivid imagery and thematic depth, the poem illustrates how stories can provide escapism, comfort, and a means of grappling with the complexities of life and mortality. The poem's conversational style and narrative shifts underscore the communal and dynamic nature of storytelling, making it a timeless and universal experience. The enduring appeal of this poem lies in its celebration of the human impulse to tell and listen to stories, a practice that transcends time and culture.