A Cross Of Snow By Longfellow

The imagery in the poem “A Cross of Snow” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow helps illuminate the tone of mournfulness. There are many images that are created in the reader's mind as the poem describes the scenes that occur in detail. The first haunting image is described is one of someone, a loved one, who has passed and is keeping watch over the narrator. The ghost is illuminated by “ a soft halo of pale light” (Longfellow 4), although the author could have easily made this image of a ghost intimidating and scary, by adding this detail it lessens the threat of a ghost. The halo of pale light could mean this spirit could perhaps be an ethereal angel, and makes it represent something good, and not to be feared. This adds to the tone of mournfulness …show more content…
The setting of the night also contributes to a mood of sadness because night is typically associated with depression or sadness. This feeling of sadness that is created shows that the author was trying to convey mournfulness, because when mourning someone close, it is a tragic experience. Images later on in the poem relate relate to mournfulness, because they relate to religion. When in times of hardship or confusion, many people chose to turn to their religion for help and guidance. This is shown when the narrator describes a mountain in the west that’s ravines “Displays a cross of snow upon its side” (11). The narrator then draws a comparison between the symbol seen in the mountain and the cross necklace they posses for religious purposes. In an religion, mourning the dead is a common practice, and to a pious individual religion could be their only refuge in what would be a difficult time for anyone. The sadness presented along with religion in the presence of death can all point to an overwhelming feeling of