Poem Analysis - Tales Of A Wayside Inn Part 1 The Sicilians Tale King Robert Of Sicily

An Overview of the Poem

The poem "Tales Of A Wayside Inn: Part 1. The Sicilian's Tale; King Robert Of Sicily" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a narrative that blends elements of medieval legend with moral reflection. The tone shifts from prideful arrogance to humility, reflecting the transformation of the protagonist, King Robert. The poem begins with a sense of grandeur and ends with a profound sense of spiritual awakening. Longfellow uses vivid imagery and symbolic elements to convey the themes of pride, humility, and divine justice.

Themes of Pride and Humility

The central theme of the poem is the contrast between pride and humility. King Robert's initial arrogance is evident when he scoffs at the Latin words "Deposuit potentes de sede, et exaltavit humiles," which translate to "He has put down the mighty from their seat, and has exalted them of low degree." His refusal to acknowledge the divine message of humility leads to his downfall. The poem illustrates how pride can lead to a fall from grace, while humility can lead to redemption. This theme is developed through the character's journey from a proud king to a humbled jester, ultimately leading to his spiritual awakening.

Divine Justice and Redemption

The theme of divine justice is woven throughout the poem. The Angel's presence and actions serve as instruments of divine justice, punishing King Robert for his pride and arrogance. The Angel's transformation of King Robert into a jester is a form of divine retribution, but it also serves as a means of redemption. The Angel's words and actions guide King Robert towards humility and spiritual growth. The final scene, where King Robert kneels in prayer, dressed in his royal attire, signifies his redemption and the restoration of his kingship, symbolizing the power of divine justice and mercy.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem is rich with symbolic imagery. The Angel represents divine justice and mercy, serving as a catalyst for King Robert's transformation. The church and the chant "Deposuit potentes de sede, et exaltavit humiles" symbolize the divine message of humility and the consequences of pride. The jester's attire and the ape symbolize King Robert's fall from grace and his humbled state. The throne and the royal attire in the final scene symbolize his redemption and the restoration of his kingship. These symbols contribute to the overall message of the poem, emphasizing the themes of pride, humility, and divine justice.

Conclusion

The poem "Tales Of A Wayside Inn: Part 1. The Sicilian's Tale; King Robert Of Sicily" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a powerful exploration of the themes of pride, humility, and divine justice. Through vivid imagery and symbolic elements, Longfellow illustrates the consequences of pride and the path to redemption. The transformation of King Robert from a proud king to a humbled jester and ultimately to a redeemed monarch underscores the poem's message of spiritual growth and divine mercy. The poem serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and the transformative power of divine justice.