Poem Analysis - Night Comes On

Introduction: A Journey Through Loss and Longing

Leonard Cohen's "Night Comes On" is a somber and deeply personal exploration of loss, faith, and the persistent pull of the world. The poem weaves together fragmented memories of a mother, a father, and children, creating a tapestry of longing and a struggle for meaning in the face of mortality. The tone is melancholic and reflective, marked by a sense of weariness and a persistent yearning for solace. While the overall mood is one of quiet resignation, there are moments of tenderness and even playfulness that offer glimpses of hope amidst the darkness.

The Silent Echoes of War and Family

Although not explicitly stated, the poem hints at the historical backdrop of war and conflict. The lines referencing fighting in Egypt and a father's fatal wound strongly suggest the impact of war on the speaker's life and worldview. His father's dying words, "Remember, my son, how they lied," indicate a disillusionment with authority and a cynical perspective on the world. This sense of betrayal and the weight of inherited trauma contribute to the poem's overall feeling of unease and the speaker's constant search for truth and comfort.

Themes of Mortality, Guidance, and Responsibility

One of the central themes of "Night Comes On" is mortality. The presence of the mother, initially encountered "under the marble and the snow," immediately introduces the idea of death and the speaker's confrontation with his own mortality. The father's death further reinforces this theme, highlighting the fragility of life and the lingering impact of loss. Another prominent theme is the need for guidance and connection. The speaker seeks solace from his mother, craving her protection and reassurance. Later, he seems to seek guidance from a female figure, referred to as "she," who offers comfort and perspective. Finally, there's the theme of responsibility to life. Despite his desire to escape, to "cross over" or "go home," he's repeatedly urged to "go back, go back to the world," implying a duty to his children and to the living.

Recurring Symbols: Night and the Feminine Divine

The recurring image of "the night" is a powerful symbol throughout the poem. It represents not only literal darkness but also the speaker's emotional state: a time of reflection, vulnerability, and a yearning for peace. The calmness associated with the night, described as "very calm," suggests a temporary respite from the turmoil of life. The feminine figures – the mother and the "she" – act as symbols of comfort, guidance, and perhaps even a form of divine presence. They offer solace, wisdom, and a connection to something beyond the speaker's immediate struggles. The question remains whether the speaker is addressing the same entity in both instances or two distinct maternal guides.

A Peaceful Calm that Hides Something Deeper

In conclusion, "Night Comes On" is a deeply moving and introspective poem that explores the complexities of grief, faith, and the enduring human need for connection. Cohen masterfully uses vivid imagery and a melancholic tone to create a portrait of a man wrestling with the weight of his past and searching for meaning in a world marked by loss and disillusionment. The poem's final message is a bittersweet one: even in the face of mortality and the desire for escape, there remains a responsibility to the living and a glimmer of hope found in the small acts of forgiveness and the enduring power of human connection.