Poem Analysis - Twilight And I Went Hand In Hand

Lucy Maud Montgomery's "Twilight and I Went Hand In Hand" is a lyrical exploration of transition, loss, and the alluring yet ultimately fleeting nature of beauty. The poem presents a journey through the twilight hours, personified as a lover, and evokes a sense of nostalgia and gentle melancholy. The tone is initially whimsical and romantic, gradually shifting to a more somber and reflective mood as the speaker approaches the darkness of night. The poem revels in sensory details, creating a rich tapestry of imagery that deepens its emotional impact.

A Romanticized Journey

The poem unfolds as a romanticized journey, immediately established by the opening line: "Twilight and I went hand in hand, / As lovers walk in shining Mays." This sets the stage for a metaphorical relationship between the speaker and the twilight hour. The imagery of "shining Mays" evokes springtime, a time of budding romance and idyllic landscapes. This sets up the initial tone of gentle affection and creates an expectation for a pleasant journey. Later in the poem, the phrase "As lovers walk" is echoed, reinforcing the intimate and guiding nature of the twilight's companionship. This journey is initially painted with enchanting scenes, like "scented chamber fair" filled with pines and balsams, making it feel like a cherished memory.

The Ephemeral Nature of Beauty and Companionship

One central theme is the ephemeral nature of beauty and companionship. The twilight, initially presented as a loving guide, is temporary. This is evident in the ending where "sunset's shaken flame / Had paled to ashes dead and wan." This signals the end of beauty of the twilight and hints towards the theme of loss. The twilight, in its fading glory, "left me to the lure of night," highlighting the transient quality of the companionship. The shift from vibrant imagery to "ashes dead and wan" underscores the idea that beauty and companionship are fleeting, leaving the speaker to face the inevitable darkness alone. This transition highlights the poem's exploration of loss and acceptance.

The Allure and Fear of the Unknown

The poem subtly explores the allure and fear of the unknown through the symbol of night. While the initial journey with twilight is comforting and beautiful, the speaker is ultimately "left…to the lure of night." This ending presents night as both alluring and potentially ominous. The word "lure" implies temptation, suggesting that the darkness holds a certain attraction, perhaps the promise of rest or a different kind of beauty. However, it also carries a hint of danger, as the night is unknown and potentially isolating. This ambiguity reflects the complex human relationship with the unknown, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

The Significance of Light and Shadow

The interplay of light and shadow is a recurring symbolic element. The twilight, by its very nature, exists in the space between day and night, a realm of muted light and deepening shadows. Images like "darkness of her hair / Faint-mirrored in a field-pool dim" emphasize this contrast and the blurring of boundaries. The "west winds chanted in the wheat / An old, old vesper wondrous sweet" is a vivid example as it depicts the sound of nature at the end of day, the wheat also being symbolic for the end of harvest. This constant shifting of light and shadow can be interpreted as representing the transitional phases of life, the constant movement between joy and sorrow, hope and despair. The final image of "sunset's shaken flame" paling to ashes suggests the extinguishing of light and the dominance of shadow, signifying the end of a cycle.

A Momentary Pause

In conclusion, "Twilight and I Went Hand In Hand" is a poignant meditation on the fleeting nature of beauty and the inevitability of loss. Through vivid imagery and the personification of twilight, Montgomery captures the bittersweet experience of transition and the complex relationship between light and darkness. The poem leaves the reader with a sense of gentle melancholy, pondering the ephemeral nature of companionship and the ambiguous allure of the unknown, a momentary pause within the journey of life.