Poem Analysis - Ultima Thule Elegiac

Initial Impressions and Tone

Henry Wadsworth Longfellows Ultima Thule: Elegiac presents a contemplative and somewhat melancholic tone, evoking a sense of longing and introspection. The poem begins with a description of a misty, still morning, setting a somber and reflective mood. As the poem progresses, there is a shift from a sense of longing and uncertainty to a feeling of resolution and tranquility. The use of nautical imagery and the journey of thoughts across the ocean adds a layer of depth to the poems emotional landscape.

Themes of Longing and Resolution

The poem explores several themes, with longing and resolution being the most prominent. The initial stanzas describe a longing for distant, mythical places, symbolized by the Hesperian isles and Ausonian shores. This longing is represented by the ships sailing into the ocean, carrying the speakers thoughts and unsatisfied desires. The imagery of the ships vanishing into the ocean underscores the fleeting nature of these longings. However, the poem then shifts to a theme of resolution, where the speakers heart finds rest and stability, held by the chains of love and the anchors of trust. This transition from longing to resolution is a central theme, illustrating the speakers journey from uncertainty to peace.

Imagery of the Sea and Ships

The sea and ships are recurring symbols in the poem, representing both the vastness of the speakers longings and the journey towards resolution. The sea is described as limitless and deep, reflecting the boundless nature of human desires and thoughts. The ships, on the other hand, symbolize the means by which these thoughts and longings travel. The ships that vanish into the ocean represent the transient nature of these desires, while the ships that remain anchored symbolize the speakers eventual finding of rest and stability. The mist and clouds add to the sense of mystery and introspection, obscuring the horizon and making the distant seem even more elusive.

Symbolism of the Harbor and Anchor

The harbor and anchor are significant symbols in the poems resolution. The harbor represents a place of safety and rest, contrasting with the open, uncertain ocean. The speakers heart is described as riding at anchor in this haven of rest, signifying a state of tranquility and security. The chains of love and the anchors of trust further emphasize this sense of stability. These symbols suggest that the speakers longings and uncertainties have been replaced by a deep, abiding trust and love, providing a sense of grounding and peace. This shift from the open sea to the harbor underscores the poems movement from longing to resolution.

Final Insights

In conclusion, Ultima Thule: Elegiac by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a poignant exploration of longing and resolution. Through vivid nautical imagery and powerful symbols, the poem illustrates the speakers journey from a state of unsatisfied longing to one of peace and stability. The sea and ships represent the vastness of human desires and the means by which they travel, while the harbor and anchor symbolize the resolution and tranquility found in love and trust. The poems contemplative tone and emotional depth make it a profound meditation on the human experience of longing and the search for meaning.