The Village Blacksmith

H.W.Longfellow
Theme of the poem:
The poem describes a local blacksmith and his daily life. The blacksmith serves
as a role model who balances his job with the role he plays with his family and
community. The poet focuses on 3 main qualities of the village blacksmith 1.
Honesty 2. Optimism 3. Determination/ quality of being determined 4.
Individuality. The poet has closely observed the life of a normal village
blacksmith and compared it to the idea of one being the master of his fate
meaning you can become what you want if you work towards it. He explains the
life of the blacksmith, who breaks and burns the metal and moulds it. Similarly,
in our lives, failures are breaking points, where there is something new and
better in the process of formation. Hence, we need to work hard to make our
lives and keep moving forward without losing hope.

Stanza wise explanation :

Stanzas 1 and 2 talks about the physical appearance of the village
blacksmith. However stanza 2 also talks about the qualities of the village
blacksmith which include honesty and being content
Stanza 1: The poet here describes the appearance of the village blacksmith who
is working under a chestnut tree in the village by talking about his physique and
how strong and sinewy his arms look. The poet gives a description of his strong
arms and muscles, which are a result of the hard work that he does being a
blacksmith, and which frames his body like this.
Stanza 2: The poet gives some details of his appearance in the poem, he says
that his hair is black, crisp, and long, which comes from dwelling in the sun all
day long harsh sunrays tan his face during the day. He is sweating from the hard
work that he is doing. He is proud and dignified as he is an honest man, and he
earns his living in honesty. Hence, he is not afraid of anyone.
These all are the signs of his hard work, which makes his body rough and
strong. He is an honest and hardworking man who doesn’t owe anything to
anyone. He is always content with whatever he earns.

Stanzas 3 and 4 describe about the work of the village blacksmith

Stanza 3: The poet now says how hard the village blacksmith works day and
night, with his bellow and tools. One can hear the blows from his bellow and
the swing of the heavy with measured beat and slow which sounds like a sexton
ringing the village bell in the evenings.

Stanza 4: The poet is speaking about how the children are fascinated by the work of
the village blacksmith. They are excited to look through the open door, to see the
sparks flying from the flames and the sound of the bellow. They love to see how the
flames and the sparks form shapes in the air. The poet compares the sparks of the fire
flying to the chaff that flies from the threshing floor

Stanzas 5 and 6 talk about the personal and social life of the Village blacksmith.

Stanza 5: In these lines, the poet is trying to show that the blacksmith is also a
part of the society, where he participates in the social practices and customs. He
goes to the church on Sundays, sits with his friends, and listens to the parish
priest pray. He watches his daughter singing in the choir and he feels happy.

Stanza 6: He gets emotional as he sees his daughter singing in the choir, which
reminds him of his wife. His wife passed away, and he remembers her singing
for him. He sees an image or reflection of his wife in his daughter. He finds her
voice and singing divine, which brings tears to his eyes. These lines show the
noble character of the blacksmith and his love for his family.

Stanza 7 talks about the poet’s work and gives a conclusion to his
professional work.
Stanza 7: The poet continues to talk about the village blacksmith’s life about
how he lives, toiling for his living, rejoicing with his friends and daughter, and
remembering his wife and her memories. He begins his work in the morning
and continues till night to earn his living. He finishes all his work by being
determined. He finished most of the work he started in the morning by evening
and sleeps in peace at night.

Stanza 8 gives us the main message where the poet talks about how we are
responsible for our fate and that our works and thoughts shape our future
just like the village blacksmith works to create a masterpiece by using his
tools and the flaming forge.

Stanza 8: In this last stanza, the poet is thanking the blacksmith for a lesson that
he has taught him without his knowledge. The way the blacksmith works day
and night teaches him that we are makers of our fate, and each day we shape our
future and life with our own hands.