Poem Analysis - Laodamia

Introduction: Yearning and its Tragic Consequences

Wordsworth's "Laodamia" is a poignant narrative poem steeped in classical mythology. It tells the story of Laodamia, whose intense longing for her deceased husband, Protesilaus, compels her to implore the gods for his return. The poem explores the complexities of love, loss, and the boundaries between the mortal and immortal realms. The tone shifts from grief-stricken supplication to joyous reunion, then to stern warning, and ultimately to tragic despair, leaving the reader with a sense of the destructive power of unchecked passion.

Historical Context: A Romantic Engagement with the Classical World

While specific historical events aren't directly addressed, Wordsworth's poem reflects the Romantic era's fascination with classical antiquity. There was a widespread interest in revisiting and reinterpreting Greek and Roman myths, often exploring themes of heroism, fate, and the human condition within these ancient narratives. "Laodamia" exemplifies this trend, drawing upon the story of Protesilaus and Laodamia from Homeric legend and reshaping it to explore Romantic sensibilities concerning emotion and the sublime.

The Consuming Nature of Love and Loss

One central theme is the consuming nature of love and loss. Laodamia's grief is so profound that it transcends earthly limitations, driving her to make sacrifices and implore the gods for a miracle. The poem illustrates how intense love can blur the boundaries of reason and lead to actions that defy mortal constraints. This is evident in her repeated attempts to physically embrace Protesilaus, despite his spectral form, highlighting the unyielding grip of her love. The ultimate consequence of this uncontrolled devotion is her tragic death, emphasizing the potential for love to become destructive when it overwhelms reason.

Mortality vs. Immortality

The poem grapples with the dichotomy between mortality and immortality. Laodamia's desire to reunite with Protesilaus in a tangible, earthly way clashes with the ethereal nature of his existence as a spirit. Protesilaus's return is conditional and temporary, underscoring the fundamental divide between the living and the dead. His descriptions of Elysium, where souls experience "calm pleasures...majestic pains," further emphasize the vast difference between mortal joys and the serene existence of the afterlife. Laodamia's inability to accept this separation ultimately leads to her downfall, highlighting the limitations of mortal desires in the face of immutable divine laws.

The Imperative of Restraint

A crucial theme is the imperative of restraint. The poem suggests that unchecked passion, however noble its source, can lead to ruin. Protesilaus, even in his spectral form, cautions Laodamia to "control rebellious passion" and moderate her transports. He emphasizes that the gods value "the depth, and not the tumult, of the soul." Laodamia's refusal to heed this advice, her insistence on a fully embodied reunion, results in Jove's disapproval and her subsequent death. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing emotions to override reason and acceptance of the divine order.

Imagery: From Radiant Hope to Stygian Doom

Wordsworth uses vivid imagery to enhance the poem's emotional impact. Laodamia's initial appearance is described with radiant imagery: "like the sun emerging from a cloud," with a "countenance brightens" and "eye expands." This symbolizes her fervent hope and the power of her faith. In contrast, the image of Jove's frown and the "Stygian hue" that appears on Protesilaus's lips signals impending doom, representing divine disapproval and the inevitability of death. The final image of Laodamia as a "lifeless corse" on the palace floor is a stark and tragic reminder of the consequences of defying the gods and the limits of human will.

Symbolism: Trees of Perpetual Grief

The trees that grow from Protesilaus's tomb serve as a powerful symbol of enduring grief and the futility of resistance. Their constant cycle of growth and blight mirrors Laodamia's own emotional state, alternating between hope and despair. The fact that they wither when they reach a height where they can see Troy suggests the enduring power of the past and the inescapable nature of fate. These trees are a testament to the lasting consequences of Laodamia's passionate but ultimately futile attempt to defy the natural order and the divine will.

Conclusion: A Tragedy of Unyielding Longing

"Laodamia" is a tragic exploration of love, loss, and the boundaries between the mortal and immortal realms. Wordsworth crafts a narrative that reveals the destructive potential of unchecked passion and the importance of accepting the limitations imposed by fate. Through vivid imagery and powerful symbolism, the poem leaves a lasting impression of the devastating consequences of unyielding longing and the necessity of finding solace in reason and acceptance rather than in futile attempts to defy the divine order. It's a somber meditation on human desire and its limitations.