Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Commemoration Ode Read at Harvard University" is a poem written by James Russell Lowell to commemorate the Harvard men who died during the Civil War. The poem was read at the dedication of the Soldiers' Monument in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1865.

Context:

The poem was written during a time of great national mourning and reflection, as the country grappled with the aftermath of the Civil War. Lowell himself was deeply affected by the war and lost several close friends and family members. The poem was written as a tribute to the Harvard men who had given their lives in service to their country.

Content:

The poem is divided into several sections and covers a range of themes, including the nature of war, the role of education, and the power of memory. Lowell draws on classical imagery and mythology to give the poem a timeless and universal quality.

The poem addresses the theme of war and the sacrifices made by those who fought and died. It suggests that the true meaning of victory is not found in the superficial trappings of war, but in the sacrifice of those who gave their lives. The poem explores the role of education and intellectual inquiry. Lowell describes the Harvard men who fought in the war as "scholars true" who were "schooled in thought and song." He suggests that their commitment to knowledge and learning made them more effective soldiers and better equipped to make sense of the world around them.

The poem deals with the theme of memory and remembrance. Lowell reflects on the power of memory to keep alive the memory of those who have died, saying, "For the dead / As ye well know, / Ye are not but they are ye." He suggests that the dead are not truly gone, but live on through the memories of those who knew them.

The final section of the poem is a call to action. Lowell urges his audience to "build the lofty rhyme" and to continue the work of those who have gone before. He suggests that it is the duty of the living to honor the memory of the dead by continuing to strive for excellence and to seek knowledge and understanding.

Form:

The poem is written in blank verse, with a regular meter and a strong emphasis on rhythm and sound. The use of classical allusions and elevated language gives the poem a sense of grandeur and solemnity.

Poetic Elements:

Lowell makes use of a range of poetic devices in "Commemoration Ode", including imagery, metaphor, and repetition. He also draws on classical mythology and history to give the poem a sense of depth and resonance.

Summary:

"Commemoration Ode" is a powerful and moving tribute to the Harvard men who died in the Civil War. Lowell's use of language and imagery is masterful, and the poem has a timeless quality that speaks to the enduring nature of loss and remembrance. The poem is also an important reminder of the role that education and intellectual inquiry can play in helping us to make sense of tragedy and to find meaning in the face of loss.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...