The Cumberland by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Question

Analyze the effect of the figurative language used in the last stanza.

a. The metaphor comparing the sun to the flying flag shows how the sailors hoped for victory
b. The simile comparing the day to a prayer shows how the sailors hoped that none would die on this singular day in the war
c. The personification giving the morning human characteristics draws attention to the losses from the battle
d. The metaphor comparing air to a prayer for the living or a song for the dead illmuinates the high costs of the battle

Answer 1

In analyzing the effect of the figurative language used in the last stanza of "The Cumberland" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, we can evaluate the options provided:

a. The metaphor comparing the sun to the flying flag shows how the sailors hoped for victory.

• This metaphor emphasizes the connection between natural elements (the sun) and symbols of nationalism and hope (the flying flag). It highlights the sailors' optimistic aspirations and the sense of pride associated with their mission, reflecting a desire for victory.

b. The simile comparing the day to a prayer shows how the sailors hoped that none would die on this singular day in the war.

• This simile effectively conveys the deep emotions of the sailors, highlighting their earnestness and vulnerability as they face battle. By comparing the day to a prayer, it suggests a collective wish for safety and peace, underscoring the human cost of war.

c. The personification giving the morning human characteristics draws attention to the losses from the battle.

• If the morning is personified, it could evoke feelings of mourning or sorrow, emphasizing the tragedies of war. This figurative language would evoke empathetic feelings towards the fallen and highlight the stark realities faced by those involved in the conflict.

d. The metaphor comparing air to a prayer for the living or a song for the dead illuminates the high costs of the battle.

• This metaphor captures the dual nature of the air—the breath of life and the lament for the deceased. It illustrates the profound sense of loss and the sacrifices made during the conflict, highlighting the emotional weight of the battle's outcomes.

In summary, d is particularly powerful as it intertwines themes of life and death, underscoring both the sorrow for the fallen and the hope for the living. It encapsulates the tragedy and cost of war, making it a poignant reflection on the events described in the poem. Each figurative language option contributes to the overall meaning, but option d most directly addresses the dual realities faced by those involved in battle, illuminating the high costs of war.