'God 's-Acre' by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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I like that ancient Saxon phrase, which calls
The burial-ground God's-Acre! It is just;
It consecrates each grave within its walls,
And breathes a benison o'er the sleeping dust.
God's-Acre! Yes, that blessed name imparts
Comfort to those, who in the grave have sown
The seed that they had garnered in their hearts,
Their bread of life, alas! no more their own.
Into its furrows shall we all be cast,
In the sure faith, that we shall rise again
At the great harvest, when the archangel's blast
Shall winnow, like a fan, the chaff and grain.
Then shall the good stand in immortal bloom,
In the fair gardens of that second birth;
And each bright blossom mingle its perfume
With that of flowers, which never bloomed on earth.
With thy rude ploughahare, Death, turn up the sod,
And spread the furrow for the seed we sow;
This is the field and Acre of our God,
This is the place where human harvests grow!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry Analysis and Interpretation of God's-Acre by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Have you ever walked through a cemetery and felt the presence of the departed souls? Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the grave? If you have, then you would relate to the poem God's-Acre by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow; a poem that captures the essence of life, death, and the afterlife.
God's-Acre is a poem that takes the reader on a journey through a cemetery. Longfellow uses vivid descriptions of the landscape to create a somber and melancholic atmosphere. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with a distinct theme that contributes to the overall message of the poem.
Stanza One: Life and Death
The first stanza of God's-Acre sets the stage for what is to come. Longfellow begins by describing the cemetery as a "field" that is "sown with the dead." The use of the metaphor "sown" creates an image of the cemetery as a garden, where the dead are planted like seeds. The metaphor also emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and death.
Longfellow goes on to describe the cemetery as a place of "rest." This is ironic because the dead cannot rest, as they are no longer alive. However, the use of the word "rest" creates a sense of calm and peacefulness that is associated with death.
The final two lines of the stanza, "In the churchyard's mystery, / The unknown graves of charity," introduce the theme of anonymity. Longfellow is suggesting that death is the great equalizer, where the rich and poor are buried side by side, and their identities are lost to time.
Stanza Two: The Afterlife
The second stanza of God's-Acre is where Longfellow delves into the theme of the afterlife. He begins by describing the cemetery as a "silent city" and a "shadowy realm." These phrases create an eerie and mysterious atmosphere that is associated with the unknown.
Longfellow then describes the "long, long thoughts" that are associated with death. These thoughts are a reflection of the soul's journey into the afterlife. The use of the word "long" emphasizes the duration of this journey and the uncertainty that comes with it.
The final two lines of the stanza, "Where the mighty rest together, / Nor the slave nor master know," once again emphasize the theme of anonymity. Longfellow is suggesting that in the afterlife, there is no distinction between the powerful and the weak.
Stanza Three: The Commemoration of the Dead
The third stanza of God's-Acre is where Longfellow focuses on the act of commemoration. He describes the cemetery as a place where "the dead, too, buried lie." This suggests that the act of commemoration is not just for the living but also for the dead.
Longfellow goes on to describe the "grass above" as a symbol of the passage of time. He suggests that even though the dead are buried, life goes on. The final two lines of the stanza, "Mournful, yes, and yet triumphant, / Chaunting, still, the victor's psalm," suggest that the act of commemoration is a tribute to the victory of life over death.
Stanza Four: The Unity of Life and Death
The final stanza of God's-Acre is where Longfellow brings together the themes of life and death. He describes the cemetery as a place where "The love of life with the love of man / Has had no conflict since the world began."
This line suggests that life and death are inextricably linked, and one cannot exist without the other. The final two lines of the stanza, "The graves of all his saints he blessed, / And softened every bed," suggest that death is not an end but a new beginning.
Longfellow's use of language throughout the poem creates a somber and melancholic atmosphere. His use of metaphors, such as "sown with the dead," "silent city," and "shadowy realm," creates images that are associated with death and the afterlife.
The theme of anonymity runs throughout the poem, with Longfellow suggesting that death is the great equalizer, where identities are lost to time. The act of commemoration is also emphasized, with Longfellow suggesting that it is a tribute to the victory of life over death.
Overall, God's-Acre is a poem that captures the essence of life, death, and the afterlife. Longfellow's use of language and imagery creates a powerful and poignant message that is still relevant today. It is a reminder that life is fleeting, and that death is a natural part of the cycle of life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to move us, inspire us, and make us feel a range of emotions. One such poem that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with readers is "God's-Acre" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. This poem is a beautiful tribute to the dead and a reflection on the cycle of life and death. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a graveyard, or "God's-Acre," as it is commonly referred to. The speaker notes that the graveyard is a place where the dead are laid to rest, and it is a place of peace and tranquility. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the idea that death is a natural part of life and that the graveyard is a place of acceptance and understanding.
The second stanza of the poem is where Longfellow really begins to explore the themes of life and death. The speaker notes that the graveyard is a place where the living can come to reflect on their own mortality. The speaker also notes that the graveyard is a place where the dead can rest in peace, free from the worries and struggles of life. This stanza is particularly powerful because it highlights the idea that death is not something to be feared, but rather something to be accepted and embraced.
The third stanza of the poem is where Longfellow really begins to delve into the imagery of the graveyard. The speaker notes that the graveyard is a place of beauty, with its "green sod" and "white stones." The speaker also notes that the graveyard is a place of history, with its "old graves" and "moss-covered tombs." This stanza is particularly effective because it highlights the idea that the graveyard is not just a place of death, but also a place of life and history.
The fourth stanza of the poem is where Longfellow really begins to explore the idea of the cycle of life and death. The speaker notes that the graveyard is a place where the dead are laid to rest, but it is also a place where new life can begin. The speaker notes that the graveyard is a place where "the seed that we sow" can grow into new life. This stanza is particularly powerful because it highlights the idea that death is not the end, but rather the beginning of a new cycle of life.
The fifth and final stanza of the poem is where Longfellow really brings everything together. The speaker notes that the graveyard is a place of peace and rest, but it is also a place of hope and renewal. The speaker notes that the graveyard is a place where the dead can rest in peace, but it is also a place where the living can find comfort and solace. This stanza is particularly effective because it highlights the idea that death is not something to be feared, but rather something to be embraced as a natural part of life.
Overall, "God's-Acre" is a beautiful tribute to the dead and a reflection on the cycle of life and death. Longfellow's use of imagery and language is particularly effective in conveying the themes of the poem. The poem is a reminder that death is not something to be feared, but rather something to be accepted and embraced as a natural part of life. It is a powerful reminder that life is fleeting, but the memories and legacies of those who have passed on live on forever.
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