Poem Analysis - Ultima Thule

Initial Impressions and Tone

Henry Wadsworth Longfellows Ultima Thule is a reflective and somewhat melancholic poem that explores themes of nostalgia, the passage of time, and the quest for an unattainable ideal. The poem begins with a sense of adventure and longing, as the speaker recalls a journey to a mythical land of golden apples. However, the mood shifts to one of weariness and resignation as the speaker finds themselves in a harsh, unforgiving place, far from their dreams. The tone is introspective and somewhat somber, with a sense of acceptance of the inevitable passage of time and the futility of certain quests.

Themes of Nostalgia and the Passage of Time

The poem delves deeply into the theme of nostalgia, with the speaker longing for a past that is forever out of reach. The land of the Hesperides, where golden apples grow, represents an idealized past, a land of dreams and youth. The phrase the lost Atlantis of our youth emphasizes the irretrievable nature of this past, suggesting that it is as mythical and unattainable as the legendary city of Atlantis. The passage of time is highlighted by the phrase How far, since then, the ocean streams have swept us from that land of dreams, indicating the vast distance that separates the speaker from their youthful ideals.

The Quest and Its Futility

Another prominent theme is the futility of certain quests. The speaker refers to an unending, endless quest, suggesting a journey that is both ceaseless and ultimately pointless. The phrase Ultima Thule! Utmost Isle! refers to a distant, mythical land, often used to represent the limits of the known world. The speaker finds themselves in this harsh, desolate place, where they lower their sails and rest from their quest. This suggests a recognition of the futility of their journey and a resignation to their fate. The use of the word quest implies a noble or heroic pursuit, but the poem suggests that such quests can be futile and exhausting.

Symbolism of the Sea and the Isle

The sea and the isle are recurring symbols in the poem, representing different aspects of the speakers journey. The sea is a powerful and unpredictable force, sweeping the speaker away from their dreams and towards an unknown destination. It represents the passage of time and the inevitable changes that come with it. The isle, on the other hand, represents a place of rest and refuge, albeit a harsh and unforgiving one. The phrase tempest-haunted Orcades suggests a place of danger and turmoil, but also one where the speaker can find a temporary respite from their journey. The sea-gulls scream, and breakers roar, and wreck and sea-weed line the shore all contribute to a sense of desolation and abandonment, but also a sense of finality and acceptance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ultima Thule is a poem that explores the themes of nostalgia, the passage of time, and the futility of certain quests. Through vivid imagery and powerful symbolism, Longfellow conveys a sense of weariness and resignation, but also a sense of acceptance and finality. The poem serves as a reminder of the inevitable passage of time and the futility of certain pursuits, but also of the importance of finding rest and refuge in a harsh and unforgiving world. The poem invites the reader to reflect on their own quests and to consider the ultimate destination of their journeys.