surmises by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: Summary, Meaning & Analysis
In "Surmises," Longfellow reflects on the quiet uncertainty surrounding death, transforming the unknown into something that feels more comforting than scary.
The poem
VI
In "Surmises," Longfellow reflects on the quiet uncertainty surrounding death, transforming the unknown into something that feels more comforting than scary. He doesn't pretend to have all the answers — instead, he discovers a sense of peace in simply wondering. This short, meditative poem captures the essence of a man at the end of a long life coming to terms with life's mysteries.
Line-by-line
VI
Tone & mood
Calm and contemplative, with a subtle sense of wonder. There's no fear here — Longfellow seems to have pondered death enough that it no longer disturbs him. The tone is almost soothing, reminiscent of how an older person might discuss something they've come to accept.
Symbols & metaphors
- Surmises — The title is the main symbol — a surmise is essentially a guess made without solid evidence. Longfellow uses it to shape all human thoughts on the afterlife: it’s not about faith or fear, but rather an honest, open-ended curiosity.
- The unknown beyond death — Instead of specifying heaven or hell, Longfellow intentionally keeps the destination unclear. This ambiguity is intentional—it represents the boundaries of human understanding and the humility needed to accept those boundaries.
- The numbered section (VI) — Being part of a sequence indicates that no single meditation stands alone. Longfellow suggests that life’s big questions can only be tackled in pieces, revisited time and again.
Historical context
Longfellow penned this poem later in life, during a time when he was compiling short lyric meditations into cohesive sequences. By the 1870s, he had experienced the death of his second wife, Frances, who tragically perished in a fire in 1861 — a loss that profoundly impacted his thoughts on mortality and what lies beyond. The poem is part of a tradition in American Romantic poetry that takes death seriously without veering into dark gloom. Longfellow was also well-versed in European literature, especially Dante, and his later works often reflect that Dantean approach of treating the afterlife as a topic deserving thoughtful contemplation rather than fear or simple comfort. "Surmises" embodies this mindset: it acknowledges the uncertainty of knowledge without being troubled by it.
FAQ
A surmise is a conclusion or a guess made without solid proof. Longfellow uses the term to indicate right away that he isn't asserting facts — he's openly and honestly speculating about what death might bring.
At its heart, this piece explores our natural curiosity about what happens after death. Longfellow doesn't provide a definitive answer; instead, he embraces the question and implies that simply contemplating it holds significance.
Yes, it's part of a series of brief meditative lyrics. Longfellow frequently employed this approach in his later work, combining short poems that each provide a unique perspective on a common theme.
It's more spiritual than strictly religious. Longfellow doesn't reference Christian doctrine or scripture. By leaving the afterlife undefined, the poem feels more like a personal reflection rather than a declaration of faith.
By his later years, Longfellow faced significant personal sorrow, especially with the passing of his wife Frances in 1861. These experiences steered his poetry toward more reflective, introspective thoughts on mortality and what may exist beyond it.
Peaceful and reflective. There’s a sense of calm surrounding death here — Longfellow comes across as someone who has reached a sort of understanding with the unknown. The mood leans more towards acceptance than fear or sorrow.
The speaker is essentially Longfellow himself — an older man calmly reflecting on death, having had plenty of time to contemplate it. There's no dramatic persona present; it feels like a straightforward personal meditation.
It's closely aligned with his later works, which shifted from the lengthy narrative poems he was known for, such as *Evangeline* and *The Song of Hiawatha*, to shorter, more personal lyrics that explore themes of time, aging, and mortality.