Poem Analysis - To Vittoria Colonna 2

Initial Impression and Tone

Henry Wadsworth Longfellows To Vittoria Colonna 2 is a reflective and somewhat melancholic poem that contemplates the enduring power of art over human life. The tone is introspective and philosophical, with a sense of longing and regret. The poem begins with a question about the longevity of artistic creations compared to human life, setting a contemplative mood that shifts to a more hopeful tone as the speaker considers the immortality that art can confer.

Themes of Mortality and Artistic Immortality

The poem explores the theme of mortality through the contrast between the fleeting nature of human life and the enduring quality of art. The speaker wonders how a living image can outlast its creator, suggesting that art has a power that transcends human existence. This is evident in the lines Lady, how can it chance yet this we see In long experience that will longer last A living image carved from quarries vast Than its own maker, who dies presently. The use of the word quarries vast emphasizes the permanence of stone, contrasting it with the transient nature of human life.

The theme of artistic immortality is developed through the idea that art can preserve the memory of individuals long after they have passed away. The speaker suggests that through his art, he can bestow long life on both himself and Vittoria Colonna, ensuring that their images and the story of their love will be seen a thousand years after they die. This is highlighted in the lines So that a thousand years after we die, How fair thou wast, and I how full of woe, And wherefore I so loved thee, may be seen. The repetition of the word may be seen emphasizes the visual and enduring nature of art.

Symbolism of Art and Time

The poem uses the symbol of art to represent the enduring power of human creativity. The speaker refers to art as a means of transcending the limitations of human life, suggesting that it has the power to preserve and immortalize human experiences. The symbol of time is also significant, as it represents the passage of life and the inevitability of death. The speaker laments that Time is breaking faith with me, indicating a sense of betrayal and loss. However, he also suggests that art can overcome the passage of time, preserving the memory of individuals and their experiences for future generations.

The image of a living image carved from quarries vast is particularly vivid, emphasizing the solidity and permanence of stone. This image contrasts with the fleeting nature of human life, highlighting the enduring power of art. The use of the word living is also significant, as it suggests that the image has a life of its own, independent of its creator. This image contributes to the overall message of the poem, which is that art has the power to transcend the limitations of human existence and preserve the memory of individuals and their experiences for future generations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, To Vittoria Colonna 2 is a thoughtful meditation on the enduring power of art and its ability to transcend the limitations of human life. Through the themes of mortality and artistic immortality, Longfellow explores the contrast between the fleeting nature of human existence and the enduring quality of art. The symbols of art and time, as well as the vivid image of a living image carved from quarries vast, contribute to the overall message of the poem, which is that art has the power to preserve and immortalize human experiences. The poem ultimately offers a sense of hope and consolation, suggesting that through art, individuals can achieve a form of immortality that transcends the passage of time.