The Children’s Hour
Between the dark and the daylight,
When the night is beginning to lower,
Comes a pause in the day’s occupations,
That is known as the Children’s Hour.I hear in the chamber above me
The patter of little feet,
The sound of a door that is opened,
And voices soft and sweet.From my study I see in the lamplight,
Descending the broad hall stair,
Grave Alice, and laughing Allegra,
And Edith with golden hair.A whisper, and then a silence:
Yet I know by their merry eyes
They are plotting and planning together
To take me by surprise.A sudden rush from the stairway,
A sudden raid from the hall!
By three doors left unguarded
They enter my castle wall!They climb up into my turret
O’er the arms and back of my chair;
If I try to escape, they surround me;
They seem to be everywhere.They almost devour me with kisses,
Their arms about me entwine,
Till I think of the Bishop of Bingen
In his Mouse Tower on the Rhine!Do you think, O blue eyed banditti,
Because you have scaled the wall,
Such an old mustache as I am
Is not a match for you all!I have you fast in my fortress,
And will not let you depart,
But put you down into the dungeon
In the round tower of my heart.And there I will keep you forever,
Yes, forever and a day,
Till the walls shall crumble to ruin,
And moulder into dust away!
Summary of “The Children’s Hour”
- A Cherished Ritual: “The Children’s Hour” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow captures a tender moment between a father and his three daughters – Alice, Allegra, and Edith. The poem describes the special pause in the father’s day when his daughters “raid” his study with love and affection.
- A Loving Invasion: As the evening descends, the daughters playfully invade their father’s space, climbing over furniture and showering him with kisses. The father affectionately compares this chaotic yet heartwarming scene to a playful siege, imagining himself a fortress besieged by his loving “banditti.”
- Immortalizing Love: The poem culminates in a declaration of enduring love. The father vows to keep his daughters safe and cherished within the round tower of his heart forever, even beyond the physical realm. This emphasizes the poem’s central theme: the timeless and unbreakable bond between a parent and their children.
Central Idea & Noteworthy Knowledge
The core of “The Children’s Hour” is the celebration of familial love and the preciousness of childhood. Longfellow doesn’t merely describe a scene; he elevates it, transforming an everyday moment into an immortalized memory. The poem is not about a physical raid but a symbolic one—an invasion of love that profoundly touches the father’s heart. It is noteworthy that the poem is written in a simple, accessible style, allowing readers of all ages to connect with the universal emotions it portrays. The poem’s enduring popularity speaks to its ability to resonate with anyone who cherishes the bond with their family, particularly the unique magic of childhood.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in “The Children’s Hour”
Longfellow masterfully employs a variety of literary devices to enhance the poem’s emotional impact and create vivid imagery. These devices are integral to the poem’s meaning and contribute to its overall artistry.
- Imagery: Throughout the poem, Longfellow uses rich imagery to paint a picture in the reader’s mind. Consider the line “Descending the broad hall stair,” which evokes a sense of graceful movement and familial warmth. Similarly, the description of the daughters “climbing up into my turret” creates a playful, imaginative scene. This visual language helps the reader fully immerse themselves in the experience.
- Metaphor: The entire poem operates on a central metaphor—the father’s study as a castle and the daughters as playful banditti. This comparison isn’t literal, but it effectively conveys the feeling of being lovingly besieged and the father’s sense of protective joy.
- Personification: While less overt, there’s a subtle personification in lines like “The sound of a door that is opened.” Giving human qualities to inanimate objects adds to the poem’s atmosphere and creates a sense of anticipation.
- Simile: The poem doesn’t rely heavily on similes, but the comparison of the daughters’ love to a powerful force suggests their affection is overwhelming and all‑consuming.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “The Children’s Hour”
Beyond literary devices, Longfellow expertly employs poetic devices to create a musical and emotionally resonant reading experience.
- Rhyme Scheme: The poem adheres to a consistent ABCB rhyme scheme throughout each stanza. This consistent rhythm creates a pleasing musicality and reinforces the poem’s gentle, nostalgic tone. For instance, in the first stanza, “lower” rhymes with “hour.”
- Meter: The poem primarily uses trochaic tetrameter, a line of four feet with each foot consisting of a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed syllable. This meter contributes to the poem’s flowing rhythm and creates a lullaby‑like quality.
- Enjambment: Longfellow frequently uses enjambment—the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next—to create a sense of fluidity and momentum. For example, consider how the thought spans across lines in the opening stanza, drawing the reader forward.
- Quatrain Stanzas: The poem is structured into quatrains—four‑line stanzas—a common poetic form that provides a sense of structure and balance.
Illustrative Quotes and Analysis
“Between the dark and the daylight,
When the night is beginning to lower,”
This opening establishes a liminal space—a moment of transition between day and night. It’s a time of quiet contemplation, perfectly setting the stage for the intimate scene that unfolds. The imagery of “lowering” darkness also suggests a sense of peace and tranquility.
“They climb up into my turret
O’er the arms and back of my chair;”
This is a particularly vivid image. The daughters aren’t simply climbing; they are transforming the father’s chair into a castle turret, engaging in imaginative play. The preposition “o’er” emphasizes the energetic, playful nature of their actions.
“I have you fast in my fortress,
And will not let you depart,
But put you down into the dungeon
In the round tower of my heart.”
This is perhaps the most powerful metaphor in the poem. The “dungeon” isn’t a place of confinement but a secure, cherished space within the father’s heart. It symbolizes his enduring love and commitment to protecting his daughters forever. The use of “fast” indicates a firm, unbreakable bond.
Conclusion
“The Children’s Hour” is more than just a charming poem; it’s a timeless testament to the power of familial love and the enduring magic of childhood. Through carefully crafted imagery, a melodic rhythm, and evocative metaphors, Longfellow captures a moment of pure joy and transforms it into an immortalized memory. The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to resonate with readers across generations, reminding us of the preciousness of family and the enduring bonds that connect us. It is a celebration of the ordinary made extraordinary, a reminder to cherish those fleeting moments of love and connection that truly define a life well lived.