Poem Analysis - The Bridal

A Celestial Wedding: Introduction

Lucy Maud Montgomery's "The Bridal" is a delicate and imaginative poem that paints a picture of a wedding between the Moon and the Sea. The poem's tone is reverent and celebratory, almost fairytale-like, using personification and vivid imagery to create a magical atmosphere. There is a consistent mood of awe and wonder throughout the poem as it depicts this cosmic union. It invites the reader to see the natural world as full of romance and significance.

A Symphony of Nature: Exploring Romantic Union

One of the main themes of the poem is the celebration of romantic union. This is directly evident in the title and subject matter. The poem meticulously describes the wedding ceremony, using the natural world to represent the participants. The Moon and Sea are not merely celestial bodies but are portrayed as bride and groom. The poet emphasizes the Sea’s “amorous, eager” nature and the Moon’s “maiden veil,” further enhancing the romantic context of their meeting. The presence of a "bridal train of stars" and a "marriage hymn" sung by the wind amplifies the grandeur and importance of this union, suggesting that such a union is a fundamental and harmonious aspect of the universe.

Night as Officiant: Mortality and Time

Another important theme is the role of mortality and the passage of time, subtly represented through the figure of "ancient, sombre-mantled Night," who acts as the "grave priest" officiating the wedding. The description of Night as "ancient" suggests the enduring and timeless quality of nature and the cycles of life and death. While the wedding is a celebration of new beginnings and love, the presence of Night introduces an element of solemnity, hinting at the inevitable end of all things. This theme, while not explicitly stated, adds a layer of depth to the poem, suggesting that even in the most joyous occasions, the awareness of time and mortality is present.

Nature as Witness: Harmony and Order

The poem also explores the theme of harmony and order in the natural world. The wedding is not an isolated event but a cosmic ceremony involving various elements of nature. The stars, the wind, and the sea all play their respective roles, creating a sense of interconnectedness. This suggests a belief in a balanced and ordered universe where even seemingly disparate entities like the Moon and the Sea can come together in a harmonious union. The poem conveys a sense of wonder at the intricate workings of nature and the inherent beauty in its patterns and rhythms.

Symbolic Veil: Interpreting Key Images

Several recurring symbols enhance the poem's meaning. The "maiden veil of mist" worn by the Moon could symbolize purity, innocence, and the transition from singleness to marriage. It also obscures the moon’s face slightly, adding an element of mystery and allure. The "kingly purple vesture" of the Sea signifies royalty, power, and depth, reflecting its vastness and importance. Night, the "sombre-mantled" priest, is a symbol of mystery, the unknown, and the passage of time. The colour purple, in particular, often symbolizes transition and transformation. Given Montgomery's wider literary works, might the mist symbolise a fleeting moment of youth for the moon, who is now entering a mature and constant relationship with the sea?

Celestial Significance: Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Bridal" is a beautiful and evocative poem that celebrates love, harmony, and the natural world. Through vivid imagery and personification, Montgomery transforms a simple scene into a grand cosmic event, exploring themes of romantic union, mortality, and order. The poem invites readers to appreciate the beauty and mystery of nature and to find deeper meaning in its patterns and rhythms. Ultimately, "The Bridal" presents a vision of the universe as a place of interconnectedness and beauty, where even the Moon and the Sea can find love and harmony.