Poem Analysis - Ultima Thule The Iron Pen

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Ultima Thule: The Iron Pen" is a reflective and nostalgic poem that explores the significance of a gift and the memories it evokes. The poem begins with a sense of anticipation and surprise, shifting to a more contemplative and appreciative tone as it progresses. The speaker's initial expectation that the pen will write of its own accord gives way to a deeper reflection on the gift's symbolic value and the enduring memories it represents.

The Gift and Its Symbolism

The poem centers around a pen given to the speaker by a person named Helen. The pen is described with vivid imagery, including gems from various places and materials from significant historical and literary sources. The pen's iron link from the chain of Bonnivard, a reference to François Bonivard, a Swiss patriot imprisoned by the Duke of Savoy, symbolizes endurance and the power of words to transcend confinement. The wood from a frigate's mast evokes the sea and adventure, suggesting that the pen carries the spirit of exploration and creativity. These elements highlight the pen's symbolic value as a gift that embodies the giver's thoughtfulness and the speaker's gratitude.

Memory and Nostalgia

The theme of memory and nostalgia is prominent throughout the poem. The speaker recalls the moment the pen was given, describing it as a summer day under the pines, with Helen's presence and the natural beauty around them. This memory is cherished and preserved, as the speaker vows that it shall not fade. The pen serves as a tangible reminder of this moment, and the speaker's gratitude is expressed through the enduring memory of the gift and the giver. The pen becomes a symbol of the enduring connection between the speaker and Helen, representing the beauty and grace of their interaction.

The Pen as a Symbol of Enduring Connection

The pen is a recurring symbol that represents the enduring connection between the speaker and Helen. The speaker imagines the pen writing thoughts and verses, but ultimately, it is the speaker who must express gratitude. The pen's motionlessness contrasts with the speaker's active remembrance and appreciation. The pen's jewels and gold mitre, described as inviolate, suggest purity and the unbroken bond between the giver and the receiver. The pen's symbolic value is further emphasized when the speaker vows to remember the gift and the grace of the giver, comparing it to a blessing and a drop of dew on an aged tree. This imagery underscores the pen's role as a symbol of enduring connection and the speaker's deep appreciation for Helen's gift.

Conclusion

In "Ultima Thule: The Iron Pen," Longfellow explores the themes of memory, nostalgia, and the symbolic value of gifts. The pen, with its rich history and materials, serves as a powerful symbol of the enduring connection between the speaker and Helen. Through vivid imagery and reflective tone, the poem highlights the significance of the gift and the memories it evokes, emphasizing the enduring impact of thoughtful gestures and the people who give them. The poem ultimately conveys the message that gifts, especially those imbued with personal significance, can serve as lasting reminders of cherished moments and the people who make them special.