Poem Analysis - To The Evening Star

An Ode to Tranquility and Protection

William Blake's "To The Evening Star" is a gentle invocation, a plea for peace and security as night descends. The poem begins with a tone of reverence and tranquility, addressing the evening star as a benevolent angel. However, a subtle shift occurs as the poem acknowledges the dangers lurking in the darkness, transforming the initial calm into a request for protection. The poem masterfully blends delicate imagery with a growing awareness of vulnerability.

Invocation of the Evening Star as Guardian

One of the central themes of the poem is the invocation of a protective force against the encroaching darkness. Blake portrays the Evening Star as a "fair-haired angel," associating it with innocence and divine power. The angel is asked to "light/Thy bright torch of love" and "smile upon our evening bed," suggesting a desire for warmth, affection, and safety within the domestic sphere. The "radiant crown" symbolizes authority and power, further emphasizing the Evening Star's role as a guardian figure. The plea for protection foreshadows the anxiety about dangers to come.

Light Versus Darkness: A Dualistic World

The poem heavily relies on the contrast between light and darkness to highlight the vulnerability of life at night. The first half of the poem is filled with imagery of light: the "bright torch," the "radiant crown," "silver dew," and "glimmering eyes." These images represent beauty, purity, and divine protection. In contrast, the second half introduces the dangers of darkness: "the wolf rages wide,/And the lion glares through the dun forest." These predatory animals symbolize the harsh realities of the natural world and the potential threats to innocence and peace. This dichotomy establishes a dualistic world where the evening star's influence is crucial for maintaining balance and safety.

The Symbolism of the Natural World

Blake employs symbols from the natural world to convey deeper meanings. The "flowers that shuts its sweet eyes/In timely sleep" represent innocence and vulnerability seeking rest and safety. The "blue curtains of the sky" being drawn are a metaphor for the arrival of night, a time of both peace and peril. The "fleeces of our flocks" symbolize the vulnerable, innocent creatures requiring protection. The "sacred dew" could represent divine grace or a blessing bestowed upon these creatures. The mention of the animals connects the domestic sphere to the wild, suggesting potential encroachment of dangerous nature on domesticated peace.

A Plea for Continued Grace

In conclusion, "To The Evening Star" is more than just a description of a peaceful evening. It's a plea for continued grace and protection against the looming darkness. The poem transitions from serene admiration to a concerned request, highlighting the inherent vulnerability of life in the face of unseen dangers. The Evening Star, personified as a benevolent angel, represents hope and the promise of divine intervention in a world where both beauty and brutality coexist.