Poem Analysis - At The Long Sault

A Prisoner's Courage

Lucy Maud Montgomery's "At the Long Sault" is a powerful dramatic monologue delivered by a captured soldier facing imminent death. The poem resonates with a tone of unwavering courage and patriotic fervor, shifting between memories of fierce battle and reflections on the noble sacrifice made for the sake of future generations. The speaker, though a prisoner, finds solace and strength in the memory of his leader, Daulac, and the conviction that their sacrifice was not in vain. The poem celebrates the ideals of self-sacrifice, faith, and the enduring power of a leader's vision.

The Echoes of Heroism and Sacrifice

One of the central themes of the poem is heroism and sacrifice. The speaker's willingness to face death unflinchingly underscores this theme. He repeatedly emphasizes their devotion to Daulac and their readiness to follow him "to the jaws of hell." The poem highlights the belief that their sacrifice at the Long Sault will secure the future prosperity and freedom of their land. The line "By the Long Sault has saved our land" encapsulates this theme, revealing the profound impact of their actions.

The Divine Spark: Leadership and Inspiration

The poem also explores the theme of leadership and inspiration. Daulac is presented as a divinely inspired figure, a beacon of courage and faith. The speaker describes him as having a "heavenly rage" and claims that "the good God spake / To us through him." Daulac's ability to instill unwavering loyalty and inspire his men to embrace death as a "bride" demonstrates the transformative power of his leadership. He represents an ideal of leadership that transcends mere command, touching the souls of his followers and galvanizing them to extraordinary acts of self-sacrifice. He is compared to a "beacon that will not flicker nor dim", a constant reminder of duty and courage.

Faith and Hope in the Face of Death

Finally, the theme of faith and hope is interwoven throughout the poem. Despite facing death and torture, the speaker clings to the belief that their sacrifice is meaningful and that God will answer Daulac's prayer. Daulac's vision of a "mighty land, / Throned among the nations of earth, / Noble and happy, calm and free" fuels their courage and gives them hope for the future. This faith transcends their immediate circumstances and provides a sense of purpose in the face of impending doom. This is reinforced by the vision of their names shining "on the page of her story with lustre divine".

Imagery of Nature and Conflict

Several recurring images contribute to the poem's overall message. The contrast between the serene beauty of nature (the mists, pine trees, and blossoming forest) and the brutal reality of war (the "snarling wolf's fangs" of the rapids, the "death-storm," and the "din of shot and yell") underscores the profound sacrifice being made. The natural imagery evokes a sense of peace and beauty that the soldiers are fighting to preserve, while the violent imagery vividly depicts the horrors they endure. The "star in the golden sky" symbolizes hope, duty, and the guiding light that Daulac represents for his men.

A Legacy of Sacrifice and Remembrance

"At the Long Sault" is a poignant exploration of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring power of leadership. The poem reveals the profound impact of a leader's vision on the hearts and minds of his followers and celebrates the unwavering faith that can sustain individuals in the face of death. The speaker's unwavering conviction that their sacrifice will secure the future of their land offers a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of those who give their lives for a greater cause. The poem invites us to contemplate the nature of heroism, the cost of freedom, and the enduring power of memory to shape our understanding of the past and inspire us in the present.