“Old Ironsides”  by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Old Ironsides”  by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

“Old Ironsides” by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. was first published in 1830 in the Boston Daily Advertiser, and later it appeared in his first poetry collection, Poems, in 1836. This iconic poem is renowned for its patriotic fervor and stirring language. It effectively captures the sentimentality and reverence associated with the USS Constitution, the ship that inspired the poem’s title. Holmes’ evocative imagery and rhythmic meter contributed to the poem’s popularity and its ultimate success in helping save the USS Constitution from being scrapped.

Text: “Old Ironsides”  by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

Annotations: “Old Ironsides”  by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

Line	Annotation
Ay, tear her tattered ensign down!	The speaker addresses the tearing down of the ship’s worn and torn flag with a sense of urgency and sorrow. “Ay” is an archaic form of “aye” or “yes,” indicating agreement or assent. “Tattered ensign” refers to the ship’s flag, which is old and worn.
Long has it waved on high,	The flag has been proudly flying for a significant amount of time, symbolizing the ship’s long history and service. The phrase “on high” suggests that the flag has been prominently displayed, possibly on the ship’s mast.
And many an eye has danced to see	The sight of the flag waving in the breeze has brought joy and excitement to many observers. The phrase “many an eye has danced” suggests that people have been delighted or thrilled by the sight of the flag fluttering in the wind.
That banner in the sky;	The flag is likened to a banner or standard that flies proudly in the sky, symbolizing strength, unity, and national identity.
Beneath it rung the battle shout,	The flag has witnessed and been a part of victorious battles, as indicated by the “battle shout” that resounded beneath it. This line evokes images of military victories and the rallying cries of soldiers.
And burst the cannon’s roar;—	The flag has been present during intense battles, as indicated by the booming sound of cannons firing (“cannon’s roar”). This imagery conveys the ship’s involvement in naval combat.
The meteor of the ocean air	The ship is metaphorically compared to a “meteor,” suggesting its swift movement and imposing presence on the ocean. This imagery emphasizes the ship’s power and significance.
Shall sweep the clouds no more!	The ship’s days of sailing proudly through the sky-like expanse of the ocean are over. The phrase “sweep the clouds” suggests the ship’s majestic movement through the air, which will no longer occur.
Her deck, once red with heroes’ blood	The deck of the ship was once stained or marked (“red”) with the blood of courageous and valiant individuals (“heroes”). This imagery evokes the sacrifices made by those who fought aboard the ship.
Where knelt the vanquished foe,	This line suggests a scene of defeat and submission, where the enemy (“vanquished foe”) knelt in surrender or submission on the ship’s deck. It implies the ship’s role in achieving victory over adversaries.
When winds were hurrying o’er the flood	The ship’s deck was once busy and active (“hurrying”) as winds blew swiftly across the ocean’s surface (“flood”). This imagery conveys the ship’s movement and activity during its time at sea.
And waves were white below,	The ocean waves beneath the ship were turbulent and frothy (“white”), indicating rough seas or stormy weather. This line adds to the imagery of the ship’s maritime environment.
No more shall feel the victor’s tread,	The ship will no longer experience the triumphant footsteps (“victor’s tread”) of those who have achieved victory aboard it. This line suggests the end of the ship’s victorious exploits.
Or know the conquered knee;—	The ship will no longer witness the defeated and humbled posture (“conquered knee”) of adversaries who have been vanquished in battle. This line underscores the finality of the ship’s retirement from active service.
The harpies of the shore shall pluck	The ship will be dismantled or destroyed by greedy scavengers (“harpies”) who inhabit the shore. This metaphorical language portrays the ship’s fate as being preyed upon by those seeking to exploit its remains.
The eagle of the sea!	The ship is metaphorically compared to an “eagle,” symbolizing its strength, majesty, and significance as a naval vessel. This imagery emphasizes the ship’s proud and noble stature.
O, better that her shattered hulk	It would be preferable for the ship’s broken and damaged hull (“shattered hulk”) to sink beneath the waves. This line suggests that the ship’s dignity and honor would be preserved by being laid to rest at sea.
Should sink beneath the wave;	The speaker advocates for the ship to be sunk or scuttled in the ocean, rather than being dismantled or destroyed on land. This action is portrayed as a fitting end for the ship.
Her thunders shook the mighty deep,	The ship’s cannons (“thunders”) caused powerful vibrations and reverberations (“shook”) in the vast expanse of the ocean (“mighty deep”). This imagery conveys the ship’s formidable firepower and impact.
And there should be her grave;	The ocean is depicted as the ship’s final resting place (“grave”), suggesting that it belongs to the sea and should be laid to rest there. This line reinforces the idea of sinking the ship as a respectful and honorable farewell.
Nail to the mast her holy flag,	The speaker calls for the ship’s flag to be affixed (“nail”) to the mast, symbolizing the ship’s dedication and loyalty to its country and cause. The term “holy flag” conveys the sacredness and significance of the flag.
Set every thread-bare sail,	The ship’s worn and frayed sails (“thread-bare sail”) should be hoisted or unfurled, despite their condition. This line emphasizes the ship’s readiness for its final journey.
And give her to the god of storms,—	The ship should be offered or surrendered (“give her”) to the deity associated with storms and tempests (“god of storms”). This metaphorical language suggests a symbolic sacrifice or offering.
The lightning and the gale!	The ship should be subjected to the destructive forces of lightning and strong winds (“gale”), symbolizing its acceptance of fate and submission to nature’s power. This imagery conveys the ship’s resignation and acceptance of its final fate.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Old Ironsides”  by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

Literary Device	Example from the Poem	Explanation
Alliteration	“her holy flag”, “thread-bare sail”	Repetition of initial consonant sounds for a musical effect.
Allusion	“the god of storms”	Reference to a mythological figure, implying the power of nature.
Amplification	“Long has it waved on high”, “Her thunders shook the mighty deep”	Emphasizing a point by repeating or expanding on it.
Apostrophe	“Ay, tear her tattered ensign down!”	Addressing an absent or non-human entity (the ship).
Assonance	“ocean air”, “wave”	Repetition of vowel sounds for a musical effect.
Enjambment	“And many an eye has danced to see / That banner in the sky;”	Carrying a sentence or phrase over to the next line without punctuation.
Hyperbole	“many an eye has danced”	Exaggeration for emphasis or effect.
Imagery	“Her deck, once red with heroes’ blood”, “waves were white below”	Vivid descriptions of sensory experiences.
Irony	“better that her shattered hulk / Should sink beneath the wave”	Suggesting the opposite of what is meant (the speaker wants the ship to be preserved).
Juxtaposition	“heroes’ blood” and “vanquished foe”	Placing contrasting ideas or images side by side.
Metaphor	“the meteor of the ocean air”	Comparing two things without “like” or “as”.
Meter	The entire poem	A regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables.
Personification	“the harpies of the shore shall pluck”	Attributing human qualities or actions to non-human entities (the shore).
Repetition	“her” (referring to the ship)	Repeating a word or phrase for emphasis or unity.
Rhyme	“sky” and “high”, “wave” and “grave”	Identical or similar sounds in words.
Simile	None in this poem	Comparing two things using “like” or “as”.
Symbolism	“the eagle of the sea”	Using an object or image to represent an abstract idea or concept.
Synecdoche	“her tattered ensign”	Using a part to represent the whole (the flag represents the ship).
Understatement	“thread-bare sail”	Downplaying the significance or extent of something.

Themes: “Old Ironsides”  by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

• Nostalgia and Reverence for History: The poem pays homage to the ship’s storied past, celebrating its long history of service and the memories it holds. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, lines such as “Long has it waved on high” and “Her deck, once red with heroes’ blood” evoke a sense of respect and admiration for the ship’s legacy, highlighting the significance of preserving historical artifacts and honoring the sacrifices made by those who served aboard.
• The Passage of Time and the Inevitability of Change: As the poem laments the ship’s fate of retirement and potential dismantlement, it underscores the transient nature of glory and the relentless march of time. Lines like “Ay, tear her tattered ensign down!” and “No more shall feel the victor’s tread” convey a sense of loss and resignation, emphasizing the poignant reality of impermanence and the fleeting nature of human achievements.
• The Fragility of Human Achievement and the Impermanence of Glory: Despite its former grandeur and formidable reputation, the ship is ultimately reduced to a relic, subject to decay and oblivion. Through evocative imagery and powerful language, lines such as “And many an eye has danced to see / That banner in the sky” and “Her thunders shook the mighty deep” highlight the stark contrast between the ship’s former splendor and its present condition, prompting reflection on the ephemeral nature of human endeavors.
• The Cyclical Nature of Life and the Acceptance of Fate: The speaker ultimately resigns to the ship’s inevitable demise, advocating for its surrender to the elements and its return to the ocean’s depths. Through the imagery of sinking beneath the waves and offering the ship to the “god of storms,” the poem conveys a sense of acceptance and closure. Lines such as “O, better that her shattered hulk / Should sink beneath the wave” and “And give her to the god of storms,— / The lightning and the gale!” convey a poignant acceptance of fate and a recognition of the natural order of life and death.

Literary Theories and “Old Ironsides”  by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

1. New Historicism: This theory examines the historical context in which a work was created and how it reflects the cultural and social values of the time. “Old Ironsides” was written in response to the planned scrapping of the USS Constitution, a symbol of American naval power and national pride. The poem reflects the patriotic sentiment of the era and the desire to preserve the ship as a national monument. The line “Ay, tear her tattered ensign down!” expresses outrage at the disrespect shown to the ship and its legacy.
2. Formalism: This theory focuses on the structural elements of a poem, such as meter, rhyme, and imagery. “Old Ironsides” is written in iambic tetrameter with an ABAB rhyme scheme, creating a rhythmic and memorable effect. The vivid imagery of the ship’s past battles, such as “Her deck, once red with heroes’ blood,” evokes a sense of awe and reverence for the ship’s history.
3. Reader-Response Criticism: This theory emphasizes the reader’s personal interpretation and emotional reaction to a poem. “Old Ironsides” is designed to evoke a strong emotional response in the reader, particularly patriotism and outrage at the planned destruction of the ship. The poem’s impassioned language and vivid imagery create a sense of urgency and inspire the reader to take action. The final stanza’s call to “Nail to the mast her holy flag” and “give her to the god of storms” is a dramatic plea for the ship’s preservation.

Critical Questions about “Old Ironsides”  by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

• Question 1: How does the poem use imagery and symbolism to convey its themes?
• The poem employs vivid imagery and symbolism to convey its themes of nostalgia, patriotism, and the passing of time. For example, “Her deck, once red with heroes’ blood” symbolizes the ship’s history and sacrifices made, while “the eagle of the sea” represents the ship’s majesty and power. The image of “waves were white below” creates a sense of movement and change, contrasting with the ship’s stillness. These images evoke a sense of reverence and nostalgia, highlighting the speaker’s emotional connection to the ship.
• Question 2: How does the poem’s tone and language contribute to its overall effect?
• The poem’s tone is nostalgic, reverent, and melancholic, conveyed through language that is formal, poetic, and evocative. For example, “Ay, tear her tattered ensign down!” is a passionate and urgent address, while “Long has it waved on high” conveys a sense of history and tradition. The use of metaphor (“the meteor of the ocean air”) and personification (“the harpies of the shore shall pluck”) adds to the poem’s musicality and emotional impact, creating a sense of reverence and awe.
• Question 3: How does the poem engage with the idea of preservation and legacy?
• The poem grapples with the idea of preservation and legacy, questioning whether it is better to preserve the ship or let it succumb to the forces of nature. For example, “O, better that her shattered hulk / Should sink beneath the wave” suggests that perhaps it is better to let the ship rest in peace, rather than trying to preserve it. This ambivalence highlights the tension between preserving the past and embracing change.
• Question 4: How does the poem’s historical context influence its meaning and significance?
• The poem was written in 1830, during a time of rapid change and modernization in the United States. The speaker’s nostalgia for the ship can be seen as a longing for a past era of heroism and tradition. The poem’s themes of preservation and legacy take on added significance in this context, as the speaker is grappling with the idea of how to honor and remember the past in the face of progress and innovation. The poem’s historical context adds depth and complexity to its exploration of nostalgia and patriotism.

Topics, Questions and Thesis Statement about “Old Ironsides”  by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Historical Significance	How does “Old Ironsides” celebrate the historical significance of the ship?	“Old Ironsides” by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. celebrates the historical significance of the ship USS Constitution, highlighting its long history of service and the memories it holds. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, the poem pays homage to the ship’s legacy, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical artifacts and honoring the sacrifices made by those who served aboard.
Impermanence and Change	How does the poem explore themes of impermanence and change?	“Old Ironsides” reflects on the passage of time and the inevitability of change, lamenting the ship’s fate of retirement and potential dismantlement. Through lines like “Ay, tear her tattered ensign down!” and “No more shall feel the victor’s tread,” the poem conveys a sense of loss and resignation, emphasizing the poignant reality of impermanence and the fleeting nature of human achievements.
Symbolism of the Ship	What symbolic significance does the ship hold in the poem?	The ship in “Old Ironsides” serves as a powerful symbol of strength, resilience, and national pride. It represents a storied past of naval victories and heroic exploits, embodying the spirit of courage and determination. Through imagery and metaphor, the poem celebrates the ship’s legacy and underscores its enduring significance in American history.
Acceptance of Fate	How does the speaker come to terms with the ship’s fate?	The speaker in “Old Ironsides” ultimately resigns to the ship’s inevitable demise, advocating for its surrender to the elements and its return to the ocean’s depths. Through imagery of sinking beneath the waves and offering the ship to the “god of storms,” the poem conveys a sense of acceptance and closure. Lines such as “O, better that her shattered hulk / Should sink beneath the wave” and “And give her to the god of storms,— / The lightning and the gale!” convey a poignant acceptance of fate and a recognition of the natural order of life and death.

Literary Works Similar to “Old Ironsides”  by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

1. “The Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred Lord Tennyson: Both poems celebrate heroic acts of bravery in the face of overwhelming odds. While “Old Ironsides” focuses on the symbolic power of a ship, Tennyson’s poem immortalizes the doomed charge of British cavalrymen in the Crimean War. Both poems use vivid imagery and strong rhythm to evoke a sense of awe and admiration for the courage displayed.
2. “O Captain! My Captain!” by Walt Whitman: This elegy for Abraham Lincoln shares “Old Ironsides”‘ lament for a fallen hero. While Holmes’ poem mourns the potential loss of a ship, Whitman’s poem mourns the loss of a leader. Both poems use extended metaphors—a ship for the nation and a captain for the president—to express grief and loss.
3. “Paul Revere’s Ride” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: Both poems celebrate American patriotism and historical events. While “Old Ironsides” focuses on the symbolic power of a ship, Longfellow’s poem commemorates the heroic ride of Paul Revere to warn of the British advance. Both poems use strong narrative elements and vivid imagery to capture the excitement and importance of the events they describe.
4. “The Battle of Blenheim” by Robert Southey: Both poems explore the theme of war and its consequences. While “Old Ironsides” focuses on the symbolic power of a ship and the emotions surrounding its potential destruction, Southey’s poem offers a more critical perspective on the human cost of war. Both poems use contrasting imagery to highlight the glory and tragedy of conflict.
5. “The Destruction of Sennacherib” by Lord Byron: Both poems employ vivid imagery and strong rhythm to depict scenes of destruction. While “Old Ironsides” focuses on the potential destruction of a ship, Byron’s poem recounts the biblical story of the Assyrian army’s defeat. Both poems use powerful language and dramatic imagery to create a sense of awe and wonder.

Suggested Readings: “Old Ironsides”  by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

• Books:
• Holmes, Oliver Wendell. The Complete Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes. Houghton Mifflin, 1895.
• Lepore, Jill. The Name of War: King Philip’s War and the Origins of American Identity. Vintage Books, 1999.
• Weblinks:
• National Archives and Records Administration. “The USS Constitution.” National Archives | (.gov), 2023, www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution_history.html.
• U.S. Navy. “USS Constitution Museum.” USS Constitution Museum, www.usscm.org/.

Representative Quotations from “Old Ironsides”  by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspectives
“Ay, tear her tattered ensign down! Long has it waved on high;”	The speaker agrees to decommission the ship, asking that the flag be torn down and eventually nailed to the mast.	Symbolism: The flag represents the ship’s history and legacy. Nostalgia: The speaker is nostalgic for the past and the ship’s glorious history.
“Her deck, once red with heroes’ blood Where knelt the vanquished foe;”	The speaker describes the ship’s history, including battles where heroes fought and died, and the defeated enemy was made to kneel.	Imagery: Vivid descriptions of violence and conflict create a sense of reverence and awe. Nationalism: The speaker glorifies the ship’s military history and the heroes who fought on it.
“The harpies of the shore shall pluck The eagle of the sea!”	The speaker describes what will happen to the ship if it is decommissioned, with those who would demolish the ship “plucking” (or destroying) its majesty.	Personification: The ship is given human qualities, emphasizing its majesty and power. Fear of Change: The speaker fears the destruction of the ship and the loss of its legacy.
“O, better that her shattered hulk Should sink beneath the wave;”	The speaker suggests it would be better for the ship to be destroyed and sunk in the open sea rather than being demolished.	Irony: The speaker suggests the opposite of what is meant, highlighting the tension between preservation and destruction. Acceptance: The speaker accepts the inevitability of change and the ship’s fate.
“Nail to the mast her holy flag, Set every threadbare sail;”	The speaker imagines the ship’s final moments, with its “holy flag” nailed to the mast and its worn sails set, sailing out into a storm and being given to the “god of storms” (or the forces of nature).	Ritual: The speaker describes a symbolic ritual, emphasizing the ship’s reverence and legacy. Letting Go: The speaker accepts the ship’s fate and the passage of time, letting go of the past.