Poem Analysis - Ultima Thule Bayard Taylor

An Overview of the Poem

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Ultima Thule: Bayard Taylor" is a reflective and somber poem that mourns the death of the poet Bayard Taylor. The poem's tone is initially calm and peaceful, reflecting the serene death of the subject, but it shifts to a more contemplative and questioning mood as it explores the unknown realms where the soul might reside. The poem's form, with its regular rhyme and meter, supports the sense of order and finality in death.

Historical and Biographical Context

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was a prominent American poet of the 19th century, known for his lyrical and narrative poems. His work often reflects the romantic and transcendentalist influences of his time. Longfellow's own experiences with loss, including the death of his wife, may have influenced the themes of mortality and the afterlife in this poem. Bayard Taylor, the subject of the poem, was also a notable American poet and traveler, known for his works that explored distant lands and cultures.

The Theme of Mortality

The most prominent theme in "Ultima Thule: Bayard Taylor" is mortality. The poem opens with the stark image of a dead man lying among his books, emphasizing the finality of death. The repeated phrase "Nevermore" underscores the irrevocable nature of death, highlighting the silence and stillness that follow. The imagery of the books watching over the deceased, "silent as themselves," reinforces the theme of mortality by contrasting the living, active books with the lifeless body. The poem also explores the idea of the soul's journey after death, asking where the traveler's soul might be and what realms it might explore.

The Theme of the Afterlife

The poem delves into the theme of the afterlife, questioning the unknown realms where the soul might reside. The speaker wonders if the soul is in "what realms afar," "what planet, in what star," or "what vast, aerial space." This questioning reflects the uncertainty and mystery surrounding death and the afterlife. The imagery of the "gardens of delight" suggests a peaceful and joyful afterlife, contrasting with the earthly realm of books and death. The poem's contemplative tone invites readers to ponder their own beliefs about the afterlife and the journey of the soul.

The Theme of Legacy

The theme of legacy is also present, as the poem reflects on the enduring impact of Taylor's work. The speaker notes that Taylor's "latest verse" was a "garland on thy hearse," suggesting that his poetry will outlive him and serve as a lasting tribute. The reference to Taylor's poem "Deukalion's life" highlights the enduring nature of his literary contributions. The poem's final lines, which return to the image of the dead poet lying among his books, emphasize the lasting legacy of his work and the peace that comes with a life well-lived.

Symbols and Imagery

The books in the poem serve as a powerful symbol, representing both the subject's life's work and the enduring nature of literature. The books watch over the deceased, silent and still, highlighting the contrast between the living and the dead. The imagery of the "gardens of delight" suggests a peaceful and joyful afterlife, contrasting with the earthly realm of books and death. The repeated phrase "Nevermore" underscores the irrevocable nature of death, emphasizing the finality and silence that follow. The poem's contemplative tone invites readers to ponder their own beliefs about the afterlife and the journey of the soul.

Conclusion

"Ultima Thule: Bayard Taylor" is a poignant reflection on mortality, the afterlife, and legacy. Through vivid imagery and a contemplative tone, Longfellow explores the unknown realms where the soul might reside and the enduring impact of a life well-lived. The poem's final lines, which return to the image of the dead poet lying among his books, emphasize the lasting legacy of his work and the peace that comes with a life dedicated to literature. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own beliefs about death and the afterlife, as well as the enduring power of literature.