Poem Analysis - Ultima Thule The Windmill

An Overview of the Poem

The poem Ultima Thule: The Windmill by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow presents a vivid and personified depiction of a windmill. The tone is initially boastful and confident, with the windmill speaking proudly of its role and power. The mood shifts to one of rest and peace as the windmill describes its Sunday routine. The poem captures the essence of the windmill's purpose and its reliance on natural forces, creating a sense of both strength and vulnerability.

Themes of Power and Dependence

The poem explores the theme of power through the windmill's self-description as a giant with granite jaws that devour grains and grind them into flour. The windmill's boastful tone and its description of flinging its arms to the air emphasize its sense of control and dominance over the harvest. However, this power is juxtaposed with the theme of dependence. The windmill relies on the wind to operate, and it must face the wind head-on, regardless of its direction. This dependence is further highlighted by the miller who feeds the windmill, acknowledging the mutual reliance between the miller and the windmill.

The Role of Nature and Human Interaction

The windmill's interaction with nature is a central theme. The windmill's reliance on the wind and its ability to grind grains into flour illustrate the interplay between human-made structures and natural forces. The windmill's description of hearing the sound of flails from threshing-floors and the wind roaring in its sails underscores this connection. The poem also touches on the theme of rest and peace, as the windmill takes its rest on Sundays, aligning with the human routine of church-going and the low, melodious din of church bells. This alignment suggests a harmonious relationship between the windmill, nature, and human activity.

Symbolism of the Windmill

The windmill itself is a powerful symbol in the poem. It represents both strength and vulnerability, as it stands firm against the wind but is also at its mercy. The windmill's granite jaws and its ability to grind grains into flour symbolize its industrial power and productivity. The windmill's arms, which it flings to the air, can be seen as a symbol of its readiness and eagerness to perform its duty. The windmill's Sunday rest and its crossing of arms on its breast symbolize peace and tranquility, contrasting with its usual active and powerful state. The windmill's reliance on the miller for sustenance can be interpreted as a symbol of the interdependence between humans and the tools they create.

Conclusion

In summary, Ultima Thule: The Windmill by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a rich exploration of power, dependence, and the interplay between nature and human activity. The windmill, as a central symbol, embodies these themes through its vivid and personified depiction. The poem's shifting moods and tones, from boastful confidence to peaceful rest, highlight the windmill's dual nature of strength and vulnerability. Ultimately, the poem offers a profound insight into the complex relationship between human-made structures and the natural world, emphasizing the importance of balance and interdependence.