Old Ironsides
by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
Ay, tear her tattered ensign down!
Long has it waved on high?
And many an eye has danced to see
That banner in the sky;
Beneath it rung the battle shout,
And burst the cannon’s roar;—
The meteor of the ocean air
Shall sweep the clouds no more!Her deck, once red with heroes’ blood
Where knelt the vanquished foe,
When winds were hurrying o’er the flood
And waves were white below,
No more shall feel the victor’s tread,
Or know the conquered knee;—
The harpies of the shore shall pluck
The eagle of the sea!O, better that her shattered hulk
Should sink beneath the wave;
Her thunders shook the mighty deep,
And there should be her grave;
Nail to the mast her holy flag,
Set every thread-bare sail,
And give her to the god of storms—
The lightning and the gale!
Summary of Old Ironsides
- Historical Context: “Old Ironsides” was written in 1830 by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., a celebrated American physician and poet. The poem honors the USS Constitution, the wooden-hulled frigate famed for its victories during the War of 1812. Its nickname, “Old Ironsides,” stemmed from the apparent invulnerability of its thick oak planks to British cannon fire.
- The Poem’s Narrative: The poem depicts a speaker who witnesses the impending decommissioning of the venerable warship. Rather than allowing the ship to be reduced to a mere shell of its former glory, the speaker passionately argues that it should meet a noble end at sea. The speaker celebrates the ship’s valiant service, recounting its triumphs in battle and suggesting that a watery grave is more fitting for a vessel that once “shook the mighty deep.”
- Central Idea: The core of “Old Ironsides” is a profound respect for history, valor, and the dignity of a life well lived— even for an inanimate object. It is a powerful plea for honoring those who serve and for acknowledging the sacrifices made in pursuit of freedom. The poem isn’t simply about a ship; it’s about the spirit of courage and resilience it embodies.
Analysis of Literary Devices in Old Ironsides
Imagery and Figurative Language
Holmes masterfully uses imagery and figurative language to evoke a strong emotional response. For example, the line “Her deck, once red with heroes’ blood” is a vivid visual that conveys the intensity and cost of battle. It reminds readers of the sacrifices made by those who served aboard the ship.
Metaphor and Personification
The ship is treated as a living entity, imbued with qualities of courage, strength, and nobility. The phrase “The meteor of the ocean air” is a striking metaphor, comparing the ship to a celestial body—something awe‑inspiring and unstoppable. Personification appears when the ship is described as possessing a “grave” and being “given” to the “god of storms,” elevating it beyond a mere vessel and transforming it into a symbol of national pride.
Sound Devices: Alliteration, Assonance, and Consonance
Holmes strategically uses sound devices to enhance the musicality of his verses. Alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds, appears in lines like “shall sweep the clouds,” creating a sense of movement and energy. Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, can be heard in “And many an eye has danced to see,” lending a lyrical quality to the lines. Consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds within words, also contributes to the poem’s auditory appeal.
Synecdoche
A form of synecdoche occurs in the line “And many an eye has danced to see.” Here, “eye” represents the entire nation, symbolizing the widespread celebration and patriotic fervor surrounding the USS Constitution.
Analysis of Poetic Devices in Old Ironsides
Form and Structure
“Old Ironsides” is composed of three octaves, each consisting of eight lines. This consistent structure provides a sense of order and stability, mirroring the ship’s unwavering resilience. The poem does not follow a strict rhyme scheme, but it employs subtle patterns of rhyme that enhance its musical quality.
Rhyme Scheme
The poem uses a varied rhyme pattern that differs from stanza to stanza. While the first stanza does not rely on end rhyme, subsequent stanzas incorporate internal and end rhymes that add texture and interest without disrupting the overall flow.
Tone and Diction
The poem’s tone is primarily one of reverence and patriotic fervor. Holmes uses formal, elevated diction to convey the ship’s grandeur and importance. Words like “meteor,” “hulk,” and “vanquished” contribute to the poem’s solemn and dignified atmosphere.
Use of Apostrophe
The poem frequently employs apostrophe, directly addressing the ship as if it were a person. This technique reinforces the speaker’s emotional connection to the vessel and intensifies the poem’s impact.
Quotes to be Used
Her deck, once red with heroes’ blood
Where knelt the vanquished foe,
When winds were hurrying o’er the flood
And waves were white below,
No more shall feel the victor’s tread,
Or know the conquered knee;—
The harpies of the shore shall pluck
The eagle of the sea!
This passage vividly depicts the intensity of battle and the ship’s dominance on the high seas. It also showcases Holmes’ masterful use of imagery and figurative language. The juxtaposition of “heroes’ blood” and “vanquished foe” creates a powerful image of triumph and defeat.
“Old Ironsides” remains a timeless tribute to courage, resilience, and the enduring spirit of American naval history. Through its evocative imagery, masterful use of literary devices, and heartfelt tribute to a legendary warship, the poem continues to resonate with readers today.