Question

How does the theme of "The Tide Rises, The Tide Falls" develop as the poem moves forward? The poem starts with an indication of inevitability and ends on a note of transcendence. The poem begins by suggesting that humans live in harmony with nature, then contradicts itself by the end. The poem’s overall theme changes from one that indicates an awe of nature to one that conveys a fear of it. The natural imagery is developed throughout to indicate that nature continues long after humans do.

Answer 1

Answer:  

'In this poem, it is indicated that nature continues long after humans do.'

Explanation:

'The Tide Rises, the tide falls' by H.W. Longfellow is a poem that depicts the eternal character of Mother Nature. Here the sea and it's rising and falling waves describe the process of life and rebirth. Just as the tides rise and fall so too does man.  

There are 'birth, death, and rebirth' and this cycle goes on for eternity. Each stanza of the poem shows how life passes through various stages and finally comes to an end. Just like the waves are never-ending, so is life and death. The dead become history and new lives are a reality. The only thing that is of permanence is Nature.