Poem Analysis - The Peaks

Overall Impression and Tone

The poem The Peaks by Stephen Crane presents a contemplative and introspective tone, reflecting the peaks' humility and their longing for connection with a higher power. The poem shifts in mood from night to morning to evening, each section offering a different perspective on the peaks' relationship with God. The repetition of phrases and the cyclical structure emphasize the peaks' enduring devotion and their sense of futility.

Themes of Humility, Devotion, and Isolation

The poem explores several interconnected themes. The first is humility, as the peaks repeatedly describe themselves as humble, idle, and futile. This self-deprecation underscores their reverence for God and their recognition of their own limitations. The peaks' humility is evident in lines like Humble, idle, futile peaks are we, which they repeat in each section of the poem. This repetition reinforces their sense of insignificance compared to the divine.

The second theme is devotion. The peaks' prayers and supplications to God demonstrate their unwavering faith and desire for connection. In the night, they ask to run swiftly across the world to huddle in worship at Thy feet, showing their eagerness to serve and adore God. In the morning, they seek a voice to sing Thy goodness to the sun, indicating their longing to praise God openly. This devotion is a central aspect of their identity and purpose.

The third theme is isolation. The peaks are described as looking toward God alone, especially at night when the valleys are muffled by grey heavy clouds. This imagery suggests a sense of separation from the world below, emphasizing their solitary existence. The peaks' isolation is further highlighted in the evening, when they bow to Thy wisdom, O Lord, acknowledging their submission to a higher power that they cannot fully comprehend. This isolation underscores their dependence on God and their longing for connection.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem employs several recurring symbols and vivid images to convey its themes. The peaks themselves are a central symbol, representing humility, devotion, and isolation. They are described as humble, idle, and futile, emphasizing their subservience to God. The peaks' repeated prayers and supplications highlight their devotion, while their solitary existence underscores their isolation.

The valleys and the cities below the peaks serve as contrasting symbols. The valleys are often muffled by clouds, suggesting a sense of separation and isolation. In contrast, the cities are described as little black cities, indicating human activity and presence. This contrast emphasizes the peaks' isolation and their longing for connection with the world below.

The clouds and the lights in the valleys also carry symbolic significance. The grey heavy clouds muffling the valleys suggest a sense of obscurity and separation, while the tiny lights sprinkled in the far valleys in the evening indicate a distant, faint presence of life. These images contribute to the overall sense of isolation and longing for connection.

The noise of men at work in the morning and the clear blue miles add to the imagery of human activity and presence. These elements contrast with the peaks' solitary existence, emphasizing their isolation and their longing for connection with the world below. The clear blue miles also suggest a sense of distance and separation, further highlighting the peaks' isolation.