Poem Analysis - Twilight

A Fleeting Chase and Tender Reconciliation

Lucy Maud Montgomery's "Twilight" presents a delicate dance between day and night, portrayed as personified entities locked in a perpetual pursuit and eventual reconciliation. The poem unfolds with a sense of urgency and longing, transitioning to one of remorse and tender compassion. It's a small, carefully constructed scene of cosmic drama that speaks to larger themes of time, transition, and the cyclical nature of relationships. The mood shifts from one of frantic chase to gentle acceptance and forgiveness.

Thematic Undercurrent: The Ephemeral Nature of Time

One primary theme is the ephemeral nature of time and the inevitable passing of phases. Day and night are not merely temporal markers; they are active participants in a continuous cycle of pursuit and surrender. The frantic flight of Night in the initial stanzas suggests a resistance to the inevitable encroaching of day, but the final stanza acknowledges that day, too, must wane. The imagery of the "dying Day" and Night's "repentant" return underscore the transient nature of each state, neither holding permanent dominion but both reliant on the other. The poem's form mirrors this ebb and flow, with two stanzas that present contrasting images of pursuit and reconciliation.

Symbolism of Light and Darkness: A Dualistic Relationship

Light and darkness are powerfully symbolic, representing opposing forces but also integral parts of a unified whole. Day, initially strong, is "shorn of his failing strength," suggesting the limitations of even the most dominant force. Night, initially presented as mocking and evasive, ultimately displays compassion and acceptance, "crowned with her chaplet of out-blossoming stars." The "sunset bars" act as a visual barrier signifying the end of Day's reign. This image suggests both an ending and a boundary that Night must eventually cross. The use of personification, particularly imbuing day and night with human emotions like pity and repentance, underscores the complex and interdependent relationship between them.

The Landscape as Emotional Stage

The vivid imagery of the landscape acts as an emotional stage for the dynamic between day and night. The "crocus hills and meadows gray" evoke a sense of the natural world's participation in this cosmic drama. The colors – or lack thereof – contribute to the shifting mood. The vibrant crocus hills suggest the last vestiges of Day's energy and beauty, while the "meadows gray" hint at the impending embrace of twilight and the subdued tones of night. The landscape isn't just a backdrop; it is actively reflecting the emotional state of Day and Night, adding another layer of meaning to their interactions. The description creates a poignant atmosphere that highlights the beauty and fragility of this temporal moment.

Concluding Thoughts: A Cycle of Forgiveness

In conclusion, "Twilight" beautifully encapsulates the cyclical nature of time and relationships through the personified dance of day and night. The poem's shift from a frenzied chase to a tender reconciliation emphasizes themes of transience, compassion, and the inevitable return. Montgomery uses powerful imagery and symbolism to convey the message that even opposing forces are intertwined and ultimately find solace in forgiveness and acceptance. The poem’s lasting significance lies in its ability to capture a universal experience – the passing of time and the reconciliation that follows conflict – within a small, perfectly rendered moment of twilight.