Poem Analysis - A Request

An Eternal Slumber by the Sea

Lucy Maud Montgomery's "A Request" is a poignant and evocative poem that delves into the speaker's desire for a peaceful, solitary death. The poem is imbued with a sense of longing and acceptance, creating a somber yet strangely comforting atmosphere. Initially, the tone is one of quiet determination, focused on the specific details of the speaker's desired burial place. As the poem progresses, it shifts towards a more reflective mood, exploring themes of isolation and detachment from the world of the living. Ultimately, the poem offers a vision of death as a tranquil release, a return to the elemental forces of nature.

Montgomery's Maritime Muse

While detailed biographical context specific to this poem is unavailable, it's helpful to consider Lucy Maud Montgomery's deep connection to Prince Edward Island, Canada. Her upbringing and life on the island likely fostered a profound appreciation for the natural world, particularly the sea and its surrounding landscapes. This connection clearly permeates "A Request," where the speaker seeks to be intimately bound to the coastal environment in death. The poem reflects Montgomery's lifelong engagement with nature and the solace it offers, a sentiment common in her wider body of work.

Themes of Mortality, Isolation, and Tranquility

The poem grapples with several core themes, most notably mortality. The speaker's request itself directly confronts the inevitability of death. This theme is further enhanced by the descriptions of the chosen burial place – a "low-lying, windy waste" – which evokes a sense of barrenness and the decay associated with the end of life. Isolation is another prominent theme, evident in the speaker's rejection of "clamor of young life" and desire to be accompanied only by "wandering mists of the sea." This suggests a weariness of worldly concerns and a preference for solitude in death. However, it is important to note that this isolation is not presented as bleak or frightening but as a path to tranquility, the final theme. The speaker envisions a "sweetly" earned sleep, lulled by the murmurs of the sea, suggesting that death offers a peaceful escape from the burdens of life.

Recurring Symbols: Sea and Wind

The poem employs powerful symbols to reinforce its themes. The sea, in particular, functions as a multifaceted symbol. It represents both the vastness and mystery of the unknown, as well as the cyclical nature of life and death. The "ancient heart of the deep" suggests a timeless and enduring force, implying that death is a return to something primal and fundamental. The wind serves as a symbol of freedom and impermanence. It is a force that "shall come where I lie" and reminds us that the physical body will return to the elements. The sea and wind together create an image of a world untouched by human concerns, reinforcing the speaker's desire for a death that is both natural and solitary.

A Final Resting Place

"A Request" is a quietly powerful poem that explores the complex emotions surrounding death. Montgomery's masterful use of imagery and symbolism paints a vivid picture of a solitary yet serene afterlife. The poem suggests that death, when embraced with acceptance, can offer a form of release and a return to the elemental forces of nature. It is a meditation on mortality that is both melancholic and ultimately comforting, leaving the reader to contemplate their own relationship with the inevitable end of life.