Concord Hymn
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood
And fired the shot heard round the world.The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set today a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.Spirit, that made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.
Summary of Concord Hymn
- Historical Context and Significance: Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Concord Hymn,” originally titled “Sung at the Completion of the Battle Monument,” was composed for the dedication of the Obelisk monument in Concord, Massachusetts, on July 4, 1837. It commemorates the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the opening engagements of the American Revolutionary War, fought on April 19, 1775. The poem celebrates the courage and sacrifice of the ordinary farmers who took up arms against British forces, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for American independence.
- The Essence of Courage and Remembrance: The poem is not simply a recounting of a battle; it is a tribute to the spirit of those who fought. Emerson emphasizes that their bravery deserves to be remembered by future generations, ensuring that their sacrifice was not in vain. The monument itself and the hymn sung at its dedication are acts of remembrance, meant to “redeem” their deeds through enduring memory.
- Central Idea: The poem’s central idea revolves around the enduring power of courage, sacrifice, and remembrance. It posits that the actions of these ordinary citizens, fueled by a commitment to liberty, resonate through time and continue to inspire. Emerson seeks to elevate their deeds to a mythic level, creating a lasting symbol of American ideals.
Analysis of Literary Devices in “Concord Hymn”
Emerson masterfully employs literary devices to enrich the poem’s meaning and create a resonant, evocative experience for the reader. These techniques enhance the themes of courage, memory, and the passage of time.
Imagery and Sensory Details
Emerson’s poem is rich in imagery, appealing to the reader’s senses and creating a vivid picture of the historical setting. Consider the opening lines: “By the rude bridge that arched the flood, / Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled.” The words “rude bridge,” “arched,” and “flood” paint a clear visual picture, grounding the poem in a specific location. The mention of “April’s breeze” adds a sensory dimension, evoking the freshness of spring and the hopeful spirit of the revolution. This detailed imagery does not merely describe the setting; it foreshadows the dynamic energy of the battle.
Metaphor and Symbolism
The “shot heard round the world” is arguably the most famous line in the poem and functions as a powerful metaphor. It does not literally mean that a single gunshot was audible across the globe. Instead, it symbolizes the ripple effect of the American Revolution, signifying that the fight for liberty in America would inspire similar movements for freedom worldwide. The ruined bridge itself also functions symbolically. It represents the transience of time and the inevitable decay of material things, yet it also embodies the enduring power of memory to overcome destruction.
Alliteration and Assonance
Emerson subtly uses alliteration and assonance to create musicality and emphasize certain phrases. Notice the repetition of the “s” sound in “The foe long since in silence slept; / Alike the conqueror silent sleeps.” This sibilance creates a sense of tranquility and reinforces the idea that both sides of the conflict have ultimately succumbed to time. Similarly, the repetition of the “i” sound in “When, like our sires, our sons are gone” creates a sense of melancholy and reinforces the theme of generational continuity.
Apostrophe
An apostrophe is a direct address to an absent entity. In the final stanza, Emerson directly addresses “Spirit,” imploring it to “Bid Time and Nature gently spare / The shaft we raise to them and thee.” This apostrophe elevates the poem beyond a simple historical account; it is a prayer, a plea for divine protection over the memory of these heroes. It suggests that their bravery is rooted in a higher power and deserves to be preserved for eternity.
Enjambment
Enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause, is used throughout the poem to create a sense of flow and momentum. For instance, consider the lines: “The foe long since in silence slept; / Alike the conqueror silent sleeps.” The enjambment draws the reader forward, emphasizing the parallel between the defeated enemy and the victorious soldiers, both ultimately subdued by time.
Analysis of Poetic Devices in “Concord Hymn”
Beyond literary devices, Emerson utilizes specific poetic techniques to shape the form and impact of the poem.
Quatrains and Stanza Structure
“Concord Hymn” is composed of four stanzas, each consisting of four lines, a form known as a quatrain. This regular structure provides a sense of order and balance, mirroring the ideals of harmony and stability that the poem celebrates. The concise quatrains also contribute to the poem’s memorability and its suitability for being sung as a hymn.
Rhyme Scheme
The poem adheres to an ABAB rhyme scheme in each stanza. For example, in the first stanza, “flood” rhymes with “stood,” and “unfurled” rhymes with “world.” This consistent rhyme scheme reinforces the poem’s musicality and creates a sense of closure within each stanza. It also helps to bind the poem together, creating a cohesive whole.
Meter and Rhythm
While not strictly adhering to a rigid metrical pattern, the poem generally follows a common meter, contributing to its lyrical quality. The rhythm creates a natural flow that makes the poem easy to recite and remember, furthering its function as a hymn.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines are particularly impactful and suitable for speeches or tributes honoring courage and sacrifice:
“Spirit, that made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free.”
This excerpt encapsulates the central theme of the poem: the unwavering courage of those who fought for liberty and the enduring legacy they left behind.
“Concord Hymn” is more than just a historical record; it is a timeless tribute to courage, sacrifice, and the enduring power of memory. Through its masterful use of literary and poetic devices, Emerson crafted a poem that continues to resonate with readers and inspire generations to cherish the ideals of freedom and remembrance.