Poem Analysis - Gratitude

An Ode to Enduring Impact

Lucy Maud Montgomery's "Gratitude" is a heartfelt expression of thankfulness for an intangible gift – a beautiful thought. The poem resonates with a sincere and appreciative tone, celebrating the profound and lasting impact of kindness and intellectual generosity. Montgomery elevates this thoughtful offering above material wealth, emphasizing its enduring value and spiritual significance. The mood remains consistently appreciative and almost reverential throughout the poem, focusing on the speaker's deep connection to the friend and their thoughtful gesture.

Beyond Material Wealth: The Superior Gift

One of the central themes in "Gratitude" is the superiority of intellectual and emotional gifts over material possessions. Montgomery explicitly contrasts the "beautiful thought" with "gold of the hills or pearls of the sea." She argues that while jewels and gold may lose their luster, a meaningful thought has the power to "gleam like a star over devious ways" and "bloom like a flower on the drearest days." This imagery highlights the enduring and transformative qualities of the thought, suggesting that it provides guidance and comfort even in challenging times. The poem subtly suggests that genuine connection and intellectual exchange are more valuable and fulfilling than any form of material wealth.

Love and Connection: A Bond Forged in Thought

The theme of love and connection is intricately woven throughout the poem, demonstrated through the speaker’s appreciation of her friendship. The "gracious gift from thy heart to my heart" signifies a profound bond between the speaker and the friend. This connection is not based on material exchange but on a deeper, more meaningful understanding and appreciation of each other. The poem implies that true friendship is built on shared values, intellectual stimulation, and the willingness to offer comfort and support. The phrase "witness to me of thy love forever" reinforces the idea that the thoughtful gesture serves as a constant reminder of the friend's affection and loyalty.

Immortality Through Remembrance

The poem touches upon the theme of immortality, not in a literal sense, but through the lasting impact of one's actions and thoughts. The speaker asserts that the "beautiful thought" will "always abide with me / As a part of my immortality." This suggests that the friend's kindness will live on in the speaker's memory and continue to influence her life. By giving her this "thing divine" the friend has, in effect, created something that transcends the boundaries of time and mortality. The "beautiful thought" becomes a legacy, a testament to the friend's goodness and the enduring power of human connection.

Stars and Flowers: Symbols of Enduring Beauty

The poem employs vivid imagery and symbolism to convey its message. The star, used to describe the thought guiding her “over devious ways” suggests that the thought offers direction and hope in times of uncertainty, cutting through the darkness and providing clarity. The flower, blooming on "the drearest days," symbolizes resilience and the ability to find beauty even in the midst of hardship. Both of these images are associated with natural beauty and permanence, further emphasizing the lasting and transformative power of the "beautiful thought." These symbols reinforce the idea that kindness and intellectual generosity can provide light and hope, even in the darkest of times.

Final Thoughts: The Lasting Echo of Kindness

In conclusion, "Gratitude" is a moving testament to the power of thoughtful gestures and the enduring nature of genuine human connection. Lucy Maud Montgomery skillfully elevates a simple act of kindness to a level of profound significance, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of material wealth. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt language, the poem underscores the transformative power of a "beautiful thought" and its ability to provide guidance, comfort, and a sense of immortality. The poem serves as a reminder that the most valuable gifts are often those that touch the heart and inspire the mind, leaving a lasting echo of kindness and connection.