Poem Analysis - Whither

Initial Impression and Tone

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Whither?" presents a reflective and somewhat whimsical tone, inviting readers into a serene natural setting. The poem begins with a tranquil scene of a brooklet, but it soon shifts to a more introspective and questioning mood. The speaker's journey alongside the brooklet becomes a metaphor for a deeper exploration of direction and purpose. The poem's form, with its flowing rhythm and rhyme scheme, mirrors the natural flow of the brooklet, enhancing the sense of movement and discovery.

Themes of Journey and Self-Discovery

The poem explores several interconnected themes, with the most prominent being the journey and self-discovery. The speaker's decision to follow the brooklet downward can be seen as a metaphor for embarking on a journey of self-exploration. The brooklet itself serves as a guide, leading the speaker through a process of introspection. The repetition of the phrase "downward, and ever farther" emphasizes the ongoing nature of this journey, suggesting that self-discovery is a continuous process rather than a destination.

Another significant theme is the interplay between nature and the supernatural. The speaker's encounter with the brooklet leads to a sense of enchantment, as he imagines water-nymphs singing roundelays. This element of fantasy adds a layer of mystery to the poem, suggesting that there is more to the natural world than meets the eye. The mention of the mill wheels in the final stanza brings the poem back to a more grounded reality, but the supernatural elements linger, leaving the reader with a sense of ambiguity.

Symbolism of the Brooklet

The brooklet is the central symbol in the poem, representing both the natural world and the speaker's inner journey. Its clear and fresh waters suggest purity and clarity, which the speaker seeks to achieve through his introspection. The brooklet's downward flow can be seen as a symbol of the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The speaker's decision to follow the brooklet, rather than resist its flow, indicates a willingness to accept and embrace these changes.

The brooklet also serves as a guide, leading the speaker through his journey of self-discovery. The speaker's question "Whither, O brooklet, say I" underscores the brooklet's role as a guide, as the speaker seeks direction and purpose. The brooklet's soft murmur is described as having a hypnotic effect on the speaker, suggesting that the natural world has a wisdom of its own that the speaker is trying to tap into.

Conclusion

In "Whither?", Longfellow uses the natural setting of a brooklet to explore themes of journey, self-discovery, and the interplay between nature and the supernatural. The brooklet serves as a powerful symbol, representing both the natural world and the speaker's inner journey. The poem's flowing rhythm and rhyme scheme enhance the sense of movement and discovery, inviting readers to embark on their own journeys of self-exploration. Ultimately, the poem suggests that the natural world has a wisdom of its own, and that by embracing this wisdom, we can find direction and purpose in our own lives.