What has changed by the end of the poem The Tide Rises, the Tide Falls? What remains the same? Refer to specific evidence in the text to support your answers to both questions.
In "The Tide Rises, the Tide Falls," by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the poem explores the theme of the cycle of life and death. By the end of the poem, what has changed is the disappearance of the traveler, who does not return from his journey as the tide rises and falls. However, what remains the same is the relentless and eternal cycle of the tide rising and falling.
Evidence from the text that supports the change is the final stanza of the poem: "And the tide rises, the tide falls / The twilight darkens, the curlew calls". These lines indicate the continuous cycle of the tide rising and falling and the coming of twilight, suggesting the end of the traveler's journey. It suggests that the traveler has permanently left the scene, signifying his death or departure.
On the other hand, evidence from the text that supports what remains the same is the repetition of the line "The tide rises, the tide falls" throughout the poem. This repetition emphasizes the unchanging nature of the tide and its regularity. The poem starts with the tide rising and falling, and it ends with the same observation about the tide. The traveler, as a mortal being, comes and goes, but the tide persists.
In conclusion, the change that occurs in "The Tide Rises, the Tide Falls" is the disappearance of the traveler, while what remains the same is the eternal cycle of the tide rising and falling.
To understand what has changed and what remains the same by the end of the poem "The Tide Rises, the Tide Falls" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, we need to analyze specific evidence in the text. Here's how you can do it:
1. Read the poem: Start by reading the entire poem to get a sense of its overall theme and message. Pay attention to the events, descriptions, and emotions portrayed throughout the poem.
2. Identify the changes: Look for any shifts or transformations that occur over the course of the poem. In "The Tide Rises, the Tide Falls," the changes are highlighted through the progression of the tides and the actions of the individual. Focus on the following evidence:
- The rising and falling of the tide: The poem begins by describing the rising of the tide, and continues to emphasize its recurring nature. However, by the end, the focus shifts to how the tide no longer carries the traveler's footprints back. The changing tide represents the passage of time and the transitory nature of life. This change suggests the passage of time and the inevitable fading of human existence.
- The traveler: The traveler is introduced in the second stanza, crossing the beach at twilight. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the traveler will not return, as his footprints are erased by the incoming tide. This change signifies the traveler's mortality and the impermanence of human life.
3. Identify what remains the same: Consider what elements persist or remain unchanged throughout the poem. Look for repeated imagery, symbols, or ideas. In "The Tide Rises, the Tide Falls," there are a few aspects that remain constant:
- The recurring tide: The title itself emphasizes the cyclical nature of the tides, with the rising and falling happening repeatedly. The repetition of the tide suggests the continuation of natural processes despite the transient existence of humans.
- The beach: The imagery of the beach is constant throughout the poem. It provides a backdrop for the rising and falling tide, as well as the actions of the traveler. The beach symbolizes a border between life and death, between the known and unknown.
By analyzing the specific evidence mentioned above, you can conclude that the changes in the poem include the fading of the traveler's footprints and the passing of time represented by the rising and falling tide. Meanwhile, the recurring nature of the tide and the constant presence of the beach serve as elements that remain the same.
In the poem "The Tide Rises, the Tide Falls" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, several changes occur by the end of the poem, while some elements remain the same.
Changes:
1. The traveler is gone: At the beginning of the poem, a traveler walks along the beach during the evening tide. However, by the end of the poem, the traveler is no longer present. This is seen in lines 9 and 10, where it is mentioned that "Silent, he reached the mainland shore" and "He thought he heard a body splash." This suggests that the traveler has disappeared and left the scene.
2. Darkness and night set in: The poem starts with the traveler walking on the beach during the "long and level sands." However, as the poem progresses, darkness falls, and it becomes night. In lines 11 and 12, it is stated, "The night wind whispers, 'Cry!' / And far in the hushed night, only / The sound of the waves breaking." This indicates the transition from daylight to nightfall.
What remains the same:
1. The rising and falling of the tide: Throughout the entire poem, the ebb and flow of the tide remain constant and unchanging. In the very first line, it is stated, "The tide rises, the tide falls." This repetition at the beginning of each stanza emphasizes the repeating cycle of the tide. Even though the traveler and the surrounding circumstances change, the tide persists, symbolizing the ever-continuing rhythm of nature.
2. The sound of the waves: Another element that remains the same throughout the poem is the sound of the waves breaking on the shore. This is demonstrated in lines 6 and 12, where it mentions, "The sound of the waves breaking" and "The moans of the waves on the shore." These references indicate that, regardless of the changing circumstances, the constant sound of the waves serves as a reminder of the enduring power of nature.
In summary, by the end of "The Tide Rises, the Tide Falls," the traveler is gone, darkness sets in, but the rhythm of the rising and falling tide and the sound of the waves remain constant.