Poem Analysis - Ultima Thule Robert Burns

An Ode to Immortality and Influence

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Ultima Thule: Robert Burns" is a reflective and reverent tribute to the Scottish poet Robert Burns. The poem's tone is initially nostalgic and admiring, shifting to a more somber and contemplative mood as it considers Burns' untimely death and enduring legacy. Longfellow's use of vivid imagery and symbolic language creates a rich tapestry that honors Burns' life and work, making the poem a poignant meditation on mortality, creativity, and the power of art.

Themes of Mortality and Legacy

One of the central themes in "Ultima Thule: Robert Burns" is the inevitability of death and the enduring power of one's legacy. Longfellow laments Burns' early death, noting that he "leaves unfinished what he might achieve." However, he also suggests that Burns' influence is immortal, as his spirit "haunts his native land" and his voice is heard in every natural element. This theme is developed through the use of nature imagery, which symbolizes the eternal and unchanging aspects of life. The "rushing brook" and "rustling bough" represent the continuity of life and the enduring impact of Burns' work.

The Power of Art and Creativity

Another prominent theme is the transformative power of art and creativity. Longfellow describes how Burns' songs bring beauty and meaning to the mundane aspects of life, such as the "wayside weed" and the "lowliest reed." This theme is reinforced through the use of sensory imagery, which highlights the emotional and aesthetic impact of Burns' poetry. The "purple bloom" of the rye and the "bright" appearance of the heather and gorse all symbolize the way in which art can elevate and enrich the human experience.

Symbolism and Imagery

Longfellow employs several recurring symbols and vivid images to convey the poem's themes. The "ploughman" serves as a metaphor for Burns himself, representing his humble origins and his ability to find beauty and meaning in the simplest aspects of life. The "brushwood" and "drop of gall" symbolize the struggles and hardships that Burns faced, while the "master-chords" of his song represent the enduring themes of his poetry, such as manhood, freedom, and brotherhood. The "mingled mist and light" that forms Burns' ghostly presence suggests the elusive and ethereal nature of his legacy, which continues to inspire and influence long after his death.

Conclusion

In "Ultima Thule: Robert Burns," Longfellow pays tribute to the enduring legacy of a fellow poet, exploring themes of mortality, creativity, and the power of art. Through the use of vivid imagery and symbolic language, Longfellow creates a poignant meditation on the ways in which art can transcend the limitations of human life and continue to inspire and enrich future generations. The poem serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of great art and the ways in which it can shape and transform our understanding of the world.