Poem Analysis - Harbor Moonrise

A Night of Enchantment and Hope

Lucy Maud Montgomery's "Harbor Moonrise" is a lyrical exploration of beauty, longing, and hope. The poem paints a vivid picture of a tranquil harbor bathed in moonlight, using rich imagery to evoke a sense of wonder and enchantment. The tone is initially serene and contemplative, gradually building to a feeling of hopeful anticipation as the poem progresses. It invites the reader to share in the speaker's dream of reunion and fulfillment.

Montgomery's Maritime Muse

While specific historical context might not be overtly evident in this poem, it is worth noting that Montgomery, a Canadian author primarily known for her "Anne of Green Gables" series, frequently drew inspiration from the natural beauty of Prince Edward Island. Her connection to the sea and its surrounding landscapes is a recurring motif in her work. The poem likely reflects her personal appreciation for the tranquil beauty of the harbors she knew, transforming them into magical realms through her descriptive language.

Yearning for Reunion

One of the central themes of the poem is longing and the hope for reunion. This is subtly conveyed through the speaker's desire to send a wish with the boat sailing across the moon's reflection. The lines "Send, O, my heart, a wish with her, / Like to a venturous mariner; / For who knoweth but that on an elfin sea / She may meet the bark that is sailing to thee" clearly express this yearning. The speaker hopes that their wish, like a messenger, will expedite the arrival of a "ship" sailing toward them, which can be interpreted as a metaphor for a loved one or desired outcome.

The Allure of the Unknown

Another theme present in the poem is the allure of the unknown and the potential for magic. The harbor is described as "an ebon cup / With mother-o'-pearl to the lips lined up," immediately transforming a familiar scene into something precious and slightly surreal. The moonlit sea becomes an "elfin sea" filled with "treasure-laden cloud argosies". This imagery suggests that the boundaries between the real and the fantastical are blurred, and that the night holds the possibility of unexpected encounters and magical journeys. The small boat sailing across the moon further reinforces this theme, representing a journey into uncharted territories.

The Beauty of Tranquility

The theme of peace and tranquility found in nature is also important in the poem. The beginning of the poem describes the calmness of the harbor "There is never a wind to sing o'er the sea / On its dimpled bosom that holdeth in fee / Wealth of silver and magicry;" This sets the stage for the imagery and themes that come later in the poem. The imagery of the calm sea is beautiful and the lack of wind evokes a sense of calmness. This calm allows for the speaker to express longing and hope.

Silver, Wine, and a Fairy Shallop: Symbols of Enchantment

The poem is rich in symbolic imagery. The "wine of entranced delight" suggests a deep, almost intoxicating sense of beauty and joy. The "mother-o'-pearl" lining the harbor's edge symbolizes preciousness and iridescence, enhancing the magical quality of the scene. Perhaps the most striking image is the "fairy shallop" sailing across the moon's "golden rim." This image represents the ephemeral nature of dreams and wishes, their ability to transport us to realms of imagination and possibility. The "bourn of enchanted sky" further adds to this, suggesting a destination that is both beautiful and unattainable.

A Final Voyage of Hope

In conclusion, "Harbor Moonrise" is a testament to the power of hope and the enduring allure of beauty. Through its vivid imagery and lyrical language, the poem transports us to a realm of enchantment, where dreams sail on moonlit seas and wishes have the potential to shape reality. Montgomery uses the tranquil setting of a moonlit harbor to explore themes of longing, magic, and the enduring human desire for connection. The poem's final message is one of optimistic anticipation, encouraging the reader to embrace the possibility of dreams coming true, even on the most unlikely voyages.