Permanence in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Concord Hymn”
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Concord Hymn” tells about a specific battle of the American Revolution in Concord, Massachusetts that happened in 1775. Emerson’s poem was written to celebrate the completion of a monument in 1847. The monument was made to honor the American Revolution and the men who fought in it. The passage of time, or permanence, is emphasized when Emerson describes the bridge, the monument, and the Spirit.
First, the bridge’s permanence is considered important because of its lasting significance in history. Emerson goes on to describe: “The foe long since in silence slept/Alike the conqueror sleeps/And Time the ruined bridge has swept” (ln 5-7). Readers are told that the things the men fought over such as the foe, the conqueror, and even the bridge are no longer there because of the effects of time.…show more content… Emerson wrote: “Spirits, that made those heroes who dare/To die, and leave their children free” (ln 13-14). Men called upon the Spirit to guide them, in the moment, in their missions without fear so that their own children could be free in America in the future. Emerson continues and ends with the following: “Bid Time and Nature gently spare/The shaft we raise to them and thee.” (ln 15-16). Semansky says, in his essay about “Concord Hymn”, the purpose of the monument will only be appreciated by humanity if “Time and Nature” treat it well as time goes on (“Poetry for”).
In conclusion, “Concord Hymn” by Ralph Waldo Emerson is a hymn dedicated to the first battle of the American Revolution. It was meant to be sung at the celebration for the completion of the monument. The purpose of the poem is for people to remember what the men of the American Revolution fought for. The passage of time, or permanence, is emphasized when Emerson describes the bridge, the monument, and the
