Poem Analysis - When The Dark Comes Down

Lucy Maud Montgomery's "When the Dark Comes Down" is a serene and comforting poem that celebrates the tranquility and peace that descends with nightfall. The poem paints a vivid picture of a coastal community settling into a state of rest and contentment as darkness envelops the land and sea. Through gentle imagery and a soothing tone, Montgomery creates a sense of harmony between nature and human life. While the poem maintains a generally positive mood, there's a subtle undercurrent of melancholy associated with the end of the day and the temporary cessation of activity.

The Embrace of Night: A Central Theme

The central theme of the poem is the acceptance and appreciation of rest and peace, which is intimately tied to the arrival of darkness. This theme is developed through the contrasting imagery of the active day and the restful night. In the first stanza, we see the fishermen returning home "with many a jest and many a shout," signaling the end of their day's labor. The line "For task and quest are ended when the dark comes down" explicitly states this theme, emphasizing that night provides a natural boundary for work and a time for rejuvenation. This is further reinforced in the final stanza, where "toil has folded hands to dream, and care has ceased to frown," highlighting the cessation of worries and burdens under the cloak of night.

Love and Connection in Twilight

Another important theme is the celebration of love and connection within the community. While not explicitly stated as romantic or familial, the poem hints at both. The second stanza depicts "lads and lassies" wandering in the meadows, suggesting budding romances or close friendships flourishing in the twilight hours. The third stanza focuses on the "mothers in the fisher huts" keeping "happy vigils," implying a sense of protectiveness and affection for their sleeping children. This theme is underscored by the "music in the song they sing and music on the sea," which suggests a harmonious blend of human and natural sounds that foster a sense of belonging and unity.

The Power of Nature's Rhythm

A less overt, yet still significant theme, revolves around the rhythm and cyclical nature of life. The poem highlights the natural transition from day to night, activity to rest, and labor to leisure. The "dark coming down" acts as a recurring motif, marking the definitive shift from one state to another. The imagery of the sea, wind, and stars all contribute to this theme, portraying nature as a constant and reliable force that dictates the ebb and flow of human existence. The poem suggests that embracing this natural rhythm is essential for achieving peace and contentment.

Symbolism of Light and Dark

The recurring symbols of light and dark are crucial to understanding the poem's message. Darkness, while literally representing the night, symbolizes rest, peace, and the cessation of labor. It is not depicted as something ominous or frightening, but rather as a comforting presence that allows for rejuvenation. Conversely, the "star of twilight" represents hope, guidance, and enduring love, shining through the darkness. The "low, dim lighted meadows" and "long, dim-lighted shore" suggest a liminal space between day and night, a time for reflection and connection. The "vagrant daisies weave the grass a silver crown" is also very evocative of a certain carefree beauty and a sense of whimsical freedom.

Concluding Thoughts: A Lullaby for the Soul

In conclusion, "When the Dark Comes Down" is a beautifully crafted poem that celebrates the simple pleasures of life and the restorative power of rest. Through evocative imagery and a soothing tone, Montgomery creates a sense of peace and tranquility, inviting the reader to embrace the natural rhythm of day and night. The poem's focus on community, love, and the acceptance of darkness as a time for rejuvenation makes it a timeless and comforting piece, akin to a lullaby for the soul. Could the 'red reef's threnody' in the first stanza hint at a deeper awareness of mortality or loss that underlies the poem's overall comforting message?