Poem Analysis - The Last Invocation

Introduction: A Gentle Departure

Walt Whitman's "The Last Invocation" is a plea for a gentle and peaceful release, most likely from life itself or the confines of the physical body. The poem is imbued with a sense of tenderness and a quiet determination to escape. Initially, the tone is one of seeking permission and assistance, but it shifts to a more assertive yet still gentle urging. The overall feeling is of a soul yearning for liberation, carried out with grace and minimal resistance.

Themes of Release and the Soul's Journey

One of the central themes is release from physical constraint. The opening lines depict the body as a "powerful, fortress'd house," emphasizing its strength and the difficulty of leaving. This suggests a struggle against the natural tenacity of life. Another theme is the soul's agency in its own liberation. The speaker implores the "Soul" to unlock the doors with "the key of softness" and a "whisper," indicating that the soul itself possesses the power to facilitate this departure. Finally, the poem explores the theme of the tension between mortal attachments and spiritual freedom. The parenthetical interjection, "(Strong is your hold, O mortal flesh! / Strong is your hold, O love.)" acknowledges the powerful forces that bind us to the earthly realm, making the desire for release even more poignant.

Recurring Imagery: Fortress and Softness

The poem utilizes contrasting imagery to highlight the central conflict. The "fortress'd house," "knitted locks," and "well-closed doors" symbolize the physical body and its defenses against death or change. This strong imagery is counterbalanced by the images of "softness," "whisper," and gliding "noiselessly forth." The key of softness and the gentle whisper are presented as the tools needed to overcome the fortress’s defenses, suggesting a preference for peaceful surrender over forceful struggle. These contrasting images create a powerful tension that underscores the difficulty and desirability of the soul's release.

Symbolism: The Doorway of Transition

The "doors" in the poem can be interpreted as a symbol of the transition between life and death, or between the physical and spiritual realms. Setting "ope the doors" represents opening oneself to the possibility of leaving the confines of the body and entering a new state of being. The act of unlocking and opening the doors is not described as a violent act, but a gentle and natural part of the human experience. The whisper and key of softness needed to unlock the doors symbolize the soul's gentle and peaceful journey.

Conclusion: A Quiet Farewell

"The Last Invocation" is a profound reflection on the desire for a gentle and dignified departure from life. It emphasizes the importance of the soul's role in this transition and acknowledges the powerful forces that bind us to the physical world. The poem’s final impact lies in its quiet plea for a peaceful release, suggesting that true freedom comes not from forceful escape, but from a gentle and willing surrender to the unknown. The poem may encourage readers to ponder the nature of death and the soul’s role in facing it with tranquility.