Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Nathaniel Hawthorne was an American writer known for his gothic and allegorical works. "The Star of Calvary" is a poem that was published in 1838 in a collection called "Twice-Told Tales."

Context:

"The Star of Calvary" was written during a time when there was a renewed interest in religious themes and symbolism. The poem reflects Hawthorne's own preoccupation with themes of sin, redemption, and salvation, which are prevalent in many of his works.

Content:

"The Star of Calvary" is a poem that explores the theme of redemption and salvation through the image of the Star of Bethlehem. The speaker reflects on the significance of the star as a symbol of hope and guidance, and suggests that it has the power to lead the way to salvation and eternal life.

Form:

"The Star of Calvary" is a short poem consisting of four stanzas of four lines each. The poem follows a simple ABAB rhyme scheme and is written in iambic tetrameter, which gives it a natural and flowing rhythm. The use of rhyme and meter creates a sense of unity and balance within the poem.

Poetic Elements:

Hawthorne employs a variety of poetic techniques in "The Star of Calvary," including metaphor, imagery, and personification. The star is used as a metaphor to represent the guiding light of God's grace and the possibility of redemption and salvation. The use of imagery helps to create a vivid and evocative picture of the stormy sea and the power of the star to lead the speaker to safety.

Summary:

"The Star of Calvary" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that showcases Hawthorne's skill as a poet. The use of metaphor, imagery, and personification creates a vivid and evocative picture of the power of the star as a symbol of hope and guidance. The poem's exploration of themes of sin, redemption, and salvation make it a timeless and relevant work. "The Star of Calvary" is a powerful and inspiring piece of poetry that deserves to be read and studied.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...