Poem Analysis - The Call Of The Winds

An Invitation to Joy: Overview

Lucy Maud Montgomery’s "The Call of the Winds" is an uplifting and evocative poem that celebrates the restorative power of nature. Through the personification of the wind across all four seasons, Montgomery invites readers to find solace and renewal in the natural world. The poem’s tone is consistently inviting and encouraging, filled with a sense of wonder and promise. While the overall mood remains optimistic, there are subtle shifts to reflect the distinct characteristics of each season, from the vibrant energy of spring to the serene quiet of winter.

Canadian Context and Nature Worship

While specific historical context isn't crucial for understanding this poem, Montgomery's deep connection to the Canadian landscape is undeniably present. As the author of *Anne of Green Gables*, she consistently showcased her love for the natural world of Prince Edward Island. "The Call of the Winds" continues this trend, portraying nature not just as scenery, but as a powerful force capable of healing and inspiring. The poem subtly echoes elements of nature worship, with the wind acting as a benevolent deity offering comfort and guidance.

Thematic Exploration: Nature as Healer

One of the poem's central themes is nature as a source of healing and rejuvenation. Each stanza, dedicated to a different season, offers a remedy for "earth-children, weary and worn" or "whose hearts are sad." Spring promises renewal, summer offers peaceful escape, autumn provides joyful cheer, and winter brings strength and resilience. This theme is developed through vivid imagery that appeals to the senses. For example, the "violet blue on the still pool's rim" in spring and the "glimmering fields and the silent places" in winter evoke distinct sensations of tranquility and hope.

Escapism and the Power of Imagination

Another key theme is escapism through immersion in nature. The poem repeatedly invites the reader to "come out" and leave behind their troubles. Summer offers "the ways of dream," suggesting that nature provides an opportunity to escape the harsh realities of life through imagination and fantasy. Autumn provides an escape through simple pleasures, and winter through finding inner strength. The recurring image of landscapes throughout the seasons serves to paint a constant picture of where one can escape to. The poem underscores that spending time with nature allows one to reconnect with their inner self and find joy in simple things.

Valiance in the face of hardship

The theme of finding strength and resilience is especially prominent in the final stanza, dedicated to winter. Unlike the other seasons which offer comfort and escape, winter promises to make the "earth-children" "valiant and strong and glad!" This is achieved through facing the "waste of snows" and embracing the stark beauty of the winter landscape. The "ring of the home-lights" shining through the dark acts as a beacon of hope, reminding readers of the warmth and comfort that awaits even in the midst of hardship. Montgomery is suggesting that nature gives strength by pushing one to the limits.

Symbolism: The Wind as a Benevolent Guide

The most significant symbol in the poem is the wind itself, personified as a benevolent guide. The wind is not just a natural phenomenon; it is a voice that calls out to humanity, offering solace and direction. Each seasonal wind has its own unique character, but all share a common purpose: to lead people towards healing and happiness. The wind's "call" is an invitation to embrace the changing seasons and find beauty and meaning in every stage of life. The wind as a motif also symbolizes movement, change and transformation.

Conclusion: A Timeless Invitation

"The Call of the Winds" is a timeless invitation to find solace and strength in the natural world. Through vivid imagery, personification, and a consistently uplifting tone, Lucy Maud Montgomery reminds us of the restorative power of nature. The poem suggests that by embracing the changing seasons and listening to the wind's gentle guidance, we can find healing for our weary souls and discover the joy and resilience within ourselves. It’s a testament to Montgomery's deep appreciation for the Canadian landscape and her belief in its ability to inspire and uplift the human spirit.