“The Sound of the Sea” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

1. The sea awoke at midnight from its sleep,
2. And round the pebbly beaches far and wide
3. I heard the first wave of the rising tide
4. Rush onward with uninterrupted sweep;
5. A voice out of the silence of the deep,
6. A sound mysteriously multiplied
7. As of a cataract from the mountain’s side,
8. Or roar of winds upon a wooded steep.
9. So comes to us at times, from the unknown
10. And inaccessible solitudes of being,
11. The rushing of the sea-tides of the soul;
12. And inspirations, that we deem our own,
13. Are some divine foreshadowing and foreseeing
14. Of things beyond our reason or control.

Introduction: “The Sound of the Sea” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“The Sound of the Sea” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was first published in 1849 as part of his collection of poems, The Seaside and the Fireside. The poem describes the calming and mesmerizing effect of the sound of the sea on the speaker, who is seeking solace and escape from the tumultuous world. Despite not being one of Longfellow’s most well-known works, “The Sound of the Sea” has remained popular and has been included in several anthologies of American poetry. The poem’s beautiful language and vivid imagery continue to captivate readers, making it a timeless piece of literature.

Annotations of “The Sound of the Sea” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Words and Phrases	Annotations
Awoke	(verb) to wake up; to become active after a period of rest or sleep.
Pebbly	(adjective) covered with small stones or pebbles.
Tide	(noun) the regular rise and fall of the sea that is caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun.
Sweep	(noun) a continuous movement in a wide curve or line, often with force.
Silence	(noun) absence of sound or noise.
Mysteriously	(adverb) in a way that is difficult or impossible to understand, explain, or identify.
Cataract	(noun) a large waterfall or a violent rush of water.
Wooded	(adjective) covered with trees or woods.
Inaccessible	(adjective) not easily reached or approached; out of the way.
Solitude	(noun) the state of being alone or isolated from others.
Rushing	(verb) moving with great speed or urgency.
Inspiration	(noun) a sudden creative or brilliant idea; a source of motivation or influence.
Foreshadowing	(noun) a warning or indication of a future event.
Reason	(noun) the power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgments by a process of logic.

Literary Devices in “The Sound of the Sea” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Literary Device	Verse	Meanings and Functions
Alliteration	The sea awoke at midnight from its sleep	Repetition of the “s” sound creates a sense of the sea’s movement and sound.
Allusion	As of a cataract from the mountain’s side	Reference to a powerful waterfall, emphasizing the strength and intensity of the sound of the sea.
Anaphora	And inspirations, that we deem our own	Repetition of “and” at the beginning of the line creates a sense of continuation and connection between inspirations and their divine nature.
Assonance	The rushing of the sea-tides of the soul	Repetition of the “u” sound creates a sense of the sea’s movement and sound.
Consonance	Rush onward with uninterrupted sweep	Repetition of the “w” and “p” sounds create a sense of the sea’s movement and sound.
Hyperbole	Rush onward with uninterrupted sweep	Exaggeration of the sea’s power and force.
Imagery	The sea awoke at midnight from its sleep	Vivid description of the sea coming to life at night, creating a mental picture for the reader.
Metaphor	The rushing of the sea-tides of the soul	Comparison of the movement and power of the sea to the movement and power of the soul.
Onomatopoeia	Rush onward with uninterrupted sweep	Words imitate the sound of the sea’s movement, creating a sense of the sound.
Personification	The sea awoke at midnight from its sleep	Giving human-like qualities to the sea, emphasizing its power and importance.
Repetition	Rush onward with uninterrupted sweep	Repetition of “rush onward” emphasizes the continuous movement and power of the sea.
Rhyme	And round the pebbly beaches far and wide	Repetition of the “ide” sound creates a sense of harmony and completion.
Simile	As of a cataract from the mountain’s side	Comparison of the sound of the sea to a powerful waterfall, emphasizing its strength and intensity.
Symbolism	The rushing of the sea-tides of the soul	The sea symbolizes the movement and power of the soul.
Synecdoche	A voice out of the silence of the deep	Part of the sea (its voice) is used to represent the whole (the sea itself).
Tone	I heard the first wave of the rising tide	The use of the word “first” creates a tone of anticipation and excitement.
Transferred Epithet	Or roar of winds upon a wooded steep	The adjective “wooded” belongs to the noun “steep”, but it is transferred to “roar” to create a more vivid description.
Understatement	Rush onward with uninterrupted sweep	Minimizing the sea’s power and force for the purpose of creating a more dramatic effect.
Visual Imagery	Or roar of winds upon a wooded steep	The combination of winds, woods and steep height, creates a visual imagery of an atmospheric event.

Sound and Poetic Devices in “The Sound of the Sea” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Literary Device	Example/Reference	Meanings and Functions
Alliteration	“pebbly beaches” (line 2)	Creates a musical effect by repeating the initial consonant sound of closely connected words.
Assonance	“deep” and “mysteriously” (lines 5-6)	Creates a musical effect by repeating the vowel sound of closely connected words.
Consonance	“sleep” and “sweep” (lines 1 and 4)	Creates a musical effect by repeating the final consonant sound of closely connected words.
End Rhyme	“sleep” and “sweep” (lines 1 and 4)	Creates a musical effect by rhyming the final words of two or more lines.
Rhyme Scheme	ABBA (lines 2, 4, 6, and 8)	Creates a pattern of rhyme throughout the poem.
Diction	“uninterrupted sweep” (line 4)	Refers to the specific word choice and use of language in the poem, which can create a particular tone or mood.
Verse Type	Blank Verse	Refers to the type of poetry that doesn’t have a fixed pattern of meter, but typically uses iambic pentameter.
Stanza Type	Quatrain	Refers to a stanza consisting of four lines.
Poem Type	Lyric Poetry	Refers to a type of poetry that expresses personal feelings or thoughts.
Tone	Mysterious, contemplative	Refers to the attitude or feeling expressed by the author in the poem.

Functions of Literary Devices in “The Sound of the Sea” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

1. Enhancing the Imagery: Literary devices in the poem help to create vivid and rich imagery for the reader. For instance, the use of alliteration in “pebbly beaches” (line 2) and “roar of winds” (line 8) creates a more vivid description of the sounds and textures being depicted. Similarly, the use of metaphor in “cataract from the mountain’s side” (line 7) creates a visual image of the waves crashing against the shore.
2. Creating Mood and Tone: The literary devices in the poem also contribute to the overall mood and tone of the poem. For example, the use of repetition in “And inspirations, that we deem our own” (line 12) creates a meditative and contemplative tone, while the use of consonance in “from the unknown” (line 9) creates a sense of mystery and intrigue.
3. Establishing Rhythm and Sound: Many of the literary devices in the poem are used to establish a particular rhythm or sound. For instance, the use of end rhyme in “sleep” (line 1) and “sweep” (line 4) helps to create a musical quality to the poem. Similarly, the use of assonance in “solitudes of being” (line 10) creates a soft, flowing sound.
4. Providing Meaning and Depth: Literary devices in the poem also contribute to the overall meaning and depth of the poem. For example, the use of metaphor in “inspirations…are some divine foreshadowing and foreseeing” (line 13) adds a layer of spiritual significance to the poem. Additionally, the use of verse type and stanza type, such as the use of a sonnet structure, adds a layer of complexity to the poem.

Themes in “The Sound of the Sea” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

1. The Power of Nature: The poem depicts the sea as a powerful force that is beyond human control. It awakens at midnight from its sleep and rushes onward with an uninterrupted sweep (lines 1-4). The sound of the sea is described as a “voice out of the silence of the deep” (line 5), and is compared to the “roar of winds upon a wooded steep” (line 8) and the “cataract from the mountain’s side” (line 7). These comparisons emphasize the overwhelming and awe-inspiring power of the sea.
2. The Mysteriousness of the Unknown: The poem suggests that there are unknown and inaccessible solitudes of being that we can only catch glimpses of. The sound of the sea is one of those glimpses, as it is mysteriously multiplied and comes to us from the depths of the unknown. Longfellow writes, “So comes to us at times, from the unknown and inaccessible solitudes of being, the rushing of the sea-tides of the soul” (lines 9-11). This imagery highlights the enigmatic nature of the sea and its connection to the mysteries of the human soul.
3. The Transcendence of Inspiration: The poem suggests that inspirations come to us from divine sources and are not just our own. Longfellow writes, “And inspirations, that we deem our own, are some divine foreshadowing and foreseeing of things beyond our reason or control” (lines 12-14). This implies that inspiration transcends our individual selves and connects us to something greater than ourselves.
4. The Unpredictability of Life: The poem implies that life is unpredictable and beyond our control, as exemplified by the power of the sea. The rushing of the sea-tides of the soul suggests that we can be swept away by our emotions and desires, just as the sea can be unpredictable and uncontrollable. Longfellow writes, “And inspirations, that we deem our own…are some divine foreshadowing and foreseeing of things beyond our reason or control” (lines 12-14). This highlights the idea that life can be unpredictable and beyond our understanding, and that we must be open to the mysteries of the unknown.

Literary Theories and Interpretations of “The Sound of the Sea” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Literary Theory	Interpretation of “The Sound of the Sea”
Formalism / New Criticism	* Focuses on the poem’s structure, imagery, and symbolism. * Might emphasize the sonnet form, the contrast between the sea’s eternal sound and the fleeting moments of human life, and the symbolism of the sea as a powerful, unknowable force.
Biographical	* Considers Longfellow’s personal experiences and how they shape the poem. * Might explore the poem’s themes of longing and loss in light of the tragic deaths of Longfellow’s wives.
Psychological	* Analyzes the poem’s portrayal of the human psyche and unconscious. * Could view the sea as a representation of the subconscious, its ceaseless sound mirroring the constant hum of thoughts and emotions.
Romantic	* Emphasizes the poem’s awe towards nature and emotion. * Sees the sea as a source of inspiration and spiritual connection, with its sound evoking a sense of the sublime.
Transcendental	* Links the poem to ideas of a universal spirit within nature. * The sea’s vastness and power might be interpreted as a manifestation of the divine, inspiring a sense of transcendence.

Essay Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “The Sound of the Sea” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

1. The Power of Nature and Human Response

• Essay Question: How does Longfellow use imagery and sound devices to portray the power and mystery of the sea?
• Thesis Statement: Longfellow’s vivid imagery and carefully crafted sound devices in “The Sound of the Sea” emphasize the timeless power of the ocean and highlight the human feelings of awe and insignificance it inspires.

2. The Sea as Metaphor for the Subconscious

• Essay Question: In what ways does the sea function as a metaphor for the human subconscious mind in Longfellow’s poem?
• Thesis Statement: In “The Sound of the Sea,” Longfellow employs the ocean as a powerful metaphor for the subconscious mind, its relentless sounds mirroring the ceaseless activity of hidden thoughts and emotions.

3. Longing and the Passage of Time

• Essay Question: How does the poem address themes of longing and the passage of time?
• Thesis Statement: “The Sound of the Sea” explores the bittersweet nature of longing, contrasting the ocean’s eternal voice with the fleeting nature of human experience and memory.

4. Traces of Romanticism in “The Sound of the Sea”

• Essay Question: Analyze how elements of Romanticism are reflected within Longfellow’s “The Sound of the Sea.”
• Thesis Statement: While Longfellow’s “The Sound of the Sea” exhibits some characteristics of Romantic poetry, specifically its reverence for nature and sense of wonder, the poem also reflects a more tempered perspective that acknowledges human limitations.

Short Questions-Answers about “The Sound of the Sea” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

1. What is the significance of the sea waking up at midnight in “The Sound of the Sea”?

The sea waking up at midnight in “The Sound of the Sea” signifies a new beginning and a sense of awakening. This is evident in the line, “The sea awoke at midnight from its sleep.” (line 1) The sea, which is often associated with life and renewal, is given a sense of agency and purpose as it awakens from its slumber. The image of the sea waking up also creates a sense of mystery and anticipation for what is to come.

2. What is the effect of the repetition of sounds in the poem?

The repetition of sounds in the poem creates a sense of rhythm and harmony that mirrors the ebb and flow of the sea. This is evident in lines such as “And round the pebbly beaches far and wide / I heard the first wave of the rising tide / Rush onward with uninterrupted sweep” (lines 2-4) where the repetition of the “r” and “w” sounds mimic the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. The repetition also creates a sense of unity and continuity throughout the poem.

3. How does Longfellow use nature to convey deeper meaning in the poem?

Longfellow uses nature, specifically the sea and its tides, as a metaphor for the human soul and its emotions. This is evident in the line, “The rushing of the sea-tides of the soul” (line 11) where the sea-tides are used to represent the ebb and flow of human emotions. The natural imagery also creates a sense of the divine and the mysterious, as seen in the line, “Are some divine foreshadowing and foreseeing / Of things beyond our reason or control” (lines 13-14).

4. What is the overall message of the poem?

The overall message of the poem is that nature, specifically the sea, has the power to awaken the soul and inspire us to greater understanding and awareness of the world around us. Longfellow uses the imagery of the sea and its tides to convey the idea that there is a greater force at work in the universe, beyond our comprehension and control. The poem also suggests that inspiration and creativity come from a divine source and that we are all connected to this larger, universal force.

Literary Works Similar to “The Sound of the Sea” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

1. “Dover Beach” by Matthew Arnold: Focuses on the melancholy brought by the receding tide, reflecting on lost faith and meaning in the modern world. Both poems contemplate the sea, but with contrasting tones.
2. “Sea Fever” by John Masefield: Expresses a deep longing for the sea and a sailor’s life. Both poems convey a fascination and connection with the ocean.
3. “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge: This long narrative poem delves into the power of nature, the supernatural, and themes of guilt and redemption. Shares with Longfellow’s work an exploration of the ocean’s mystique.
4. Selections from Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” (particularly the “Sea-Drift” section): Whitman’s free verse celebrates nature and the self, with the ocean representing vastness and connection to all life.
5. Emily Dickinson’s poems about the sea: Dickinson often uses the sea as a symbol of the unknown, mortality, and eternity. Her poems, like Longfellow’s, explore internal landscapes with evocative natural imagery.

Suggested Readings: “The Sound of the Sea” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Scholarly Books

• Arvin, Newton. Longfellow: His Life and Work. Little, Brown and Company, 1963. (A comprehensive study of Longfellow’s life and literary output).

• Callow, Philip. From Noon to Starry Night: A Life of Walt Whitman. Chicago Review Press, 1992. (While focused on Whitman, this work might offer insights into the Romantic literary tradition and how Longfellow’s work aligns with or differs from his contemporaries).
• Wagenknecht, Edward. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: His Poetry and Prose. Ungar, 1986. (Provides critical analysis specifically focused on Longfellow’s poetry and prose writing).

Scholarly Articles (Access through academic databases like JSTOR or Project Muse)

• Erkkila, Betsy. “Longfellow and the Song of Hiawatha.” American Literary History, vol. 21, no. 3, Oxford University Press, 2009, pp. 549–574, [invalid URL removed]. (Examines influences surrounding Longfellow’s most famous epic poem, but might provide general insights into his style).
• Nelson, Randy F. “Longfellow’s Psychological Realism.” The New England Quarterly, vol. 52, no. 4, New England Quarterly, Inc., 1979, pp. 548–555, [invalid URL removed]. (Focuses on psychological elements within Longfellow’s poetry, potentially applicable to “The Sound of the Sea”).

Websites (Choose Reputable Sources)

• Academy of American Poets: https://poets.org/poet/henry-wadsworth-longfellow (Features selected poems, biography, and occasionally links to critical resources).
• Representative Poetry Online: [invalid URL removed] (Provides access to many of Longfellow’s works in their original form).