"The Village Blacksmith"

Under a spreading chestnut-tree

 The village smithy stands;

 The smith. a mighty man is he,

 With large and sinewy hands;

 And the muscles of his brawny arms

 Are strong as iron bands.

 His hair is crisp, and black, and long,

 His face is like the tan;

 His brow is wet with honest sweat,

 He earns whate'er he can.

 And looks the whole world in the face,

 For he owes not any man.

Week in. week out, from morn till night,

 You can hear his bellows blow;

 You can hear him swing his heavy sledge:

 With measured beat and slow,

 Like a sexton ringing the village bell,

 When the evening sun is low.

 And children coming home from school

 Look in at the open door;

 They love to see the flaming forge,

 And hear the bellows roar,

 And catch the burning sparks that fly

 Like chaff from a threshing-floor.

 He goes on Sunday to the church,

 And sits among his boys;

 He hears the parson pray and preach,

 He hears his daughter's voice,

 Singing in the village choir,

 And it makes his heart rejoice.

 It sounds to him like her mother's voice,

 Singing in Paradise!

 He needs must think of her once more,

 How in the grave she lies;

 And with his hard, rough hand he wipes

 A tear out of his eyes.

 Toiling, —rejoicing,—sorrowing,

 Onward through life he goes;

 Each morning sees some task begin,

 Each evening sees it close

 Something attempted, something done,

 Has earned a night's repose.

 Thanks, thanks to thee. my worthy friend,

 For the lesson thou hast taught!

 Thus at the flaming forge of life

 Our fortunes must be wrought:

 Thus on its sounding anvil shaped

 Each burning deed and thought.

Critical Analysis of "The Village Blacksmith" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, "The Village Blacksmith," explores themes of hard work, honesty, and resilience, and highlights the inherent dignity of everyday life. Through vivid imagery and a narrative tone, Longfellow presents the blacksmith as an emblem of strength, self-reliance, and moral virtue, drawing on the archetype of a craftsman whose physical and emotional endurance mirror the endurance of the iron he molds.

The blacksmith in this poem is portrayed as a powerful and honest figure: "With large and sinewy hands," Longfellow writes, emphasizing the physical prowess required for his work. His "honest sweat" and the fact that he "owes not any man" reinforce his independence and integrity, suggesting a life free from moral compromise. The poem’s celebration of these values is in stark contrast to society’s increasing industrialization during Longfellow's time, which often alienated individuals from the tangible rewards of labor and craftsmanship. By focusing on the blacksmith’s personal connection to his work, Longfellow subtly critiques the growing detachment from meaningful, hands-on work in favor of mechanized, mass production.

Longfellow’s use of auditory imagery is especially powerful in evoking the atmosphere of the blacksmith's forge: the "measured beat" of the hammer and the roaring bellows create a rhythm that mirrors both the blacksmith’s tireless routine and the pulse of life itself. This rhythmic quality is almost meditative, suggesting that there is beauty and value in the repetition of daily tasks when they are performed with purpose and skill. The blacksmith’s life, while simple, is enriched by this commitment to his work and his unwavering routine.

The poem’s emotional depth surfaces when the blacksmith attends church with his children and hears his daughter sing in the choir, evoking memories of his late wife. This moment reveals a vulnerable side to the otherwise stoic figure and reflects the universal experience of grief, softened by the comforts of family and faith. Longfellow’s portrayal here emphasizes that the blacksmith’s strength is not merely physical but also emotional; he finds joy in his daughter’s voice, and yet he allows himself to grieve. This balance between joy and sorrow, work and rest, is essential to the blacksmith’s humanity and resilience.

In the concluding stanza, Longfellow expresses gratitude to the blacksmith for the lesson he imparts to all who observe his life. The metaphor of the "flaming forge of life" highlights the notion that life’s challenges are like heated iron — they mold one’s character. The blacksmith’s life, with its "something attempted, something done" approach, teaches the value of striving for accomplishment each day, and through this accomplishment, earning "a night’s repose." In this way, Longfellow uses the blacksmith’s life to reflect on the importance of perseverance, suggesting that true contentment comes from consistent effort, honesty, and a willingness to face life’s difficulties with courage.

Overall, "The Village Blacksmith" serves as both a celebration of the common man and a moral lesson. It speaks to the importance of simplicity, responsibility, and resilience, making the blacksmith a model of virtue whose values remain timeless. Through his portrayal, Longfellow communicates that greatness can be found in humility, and that a life lived with integrity, dedication, and balance is one of profound worth.

Comprehension

 A Answer the following questions.

 1- What words are used to describe the strength of the blacksmith?

 2- Pick out the words or lines that bring out the hard work the blacksmith does.

 3. Which of your five senses does the third stanza appeal to? List the words/

 phrases that appeal to a specific sense.

 4. -''Week in, week out...sun is low. ''- Poets often compare to help form an image in

 the mind. To what is the blacksmith's swinging of his sledge compared?

 5. What are the happy and sad moments the blacksmith experiences on Sunday?

 6- Would you like to be a blacksmith who hammers the iron into shape or be the

 iron that melts to form something new every time? Take a moment to think

 before you make your choice. Give a reason for your choice.

 7. In the last verse why does the persona thank the blacksmith?

B. Read the lines and answer the questions.

 l. His hair is crisp. and black, and long.

 His face is like the tan;

 His brow is wet with honest sweat,

 He earns whate'er he can.

 And looks the whole world in the face,

 For he owes not any man.

 a.  Who is described in these lines?

 b.   What does the expression looks the whole world in the face mean?

 c.  How is the blacksmith described in the lines above? What impression do you

 gather of him?

 d.  Which words tell you that he is honest and hardworking?

2. He goes on Sunday to the church,

 And sits among his boys:

 He hears the parson pray and preach,

 He hears his daughter's voice.

 Singing in the village choir,

 And it makes his heart rejoice.

 a. How do we know that the blacksmith is

     a religious person?

 b.  Why does he rejoice when he hears

     his daughter's voice? else is sitting

     with him?

 c. What memories does his daughter's voice

     bring to his mind?

 d. What does the speaker say about his life in this and the next verse?

3. He needs must think of her once more,

 How in the grave she lies;

 And with his hard, rough hand he wipes

 A tear out of his eyes.

 a.  Who is she? Where does he imagine her singing?

 b. What has reminded the blacksmith of her?

 c. What makes the blacksmith wipe a tear?

 d. What does this stanza say about the blacksmith?

4. Toiling—rejoicing

 —sorrowing.

 Onward through life he goes;

 Each morning sees some task begin.

 Each evening sees it close

 Something attempted. something done,

 Has earned a night's repose.

 a. What are the instances in the poem that show that the blacksmith is

     hard working?

 b. What does has earned a night's repose mean?

 c. Find instances of rejoicing and sorrowing from the poem.

 d. How does the blacksmith earn a night's repose?

5. Thanks. thanks to thee. my worthy friend,

 For the lesson thou hast taught!

 Thus at the flaming forge of life

 Our fortunes must be wrought;

 Thus on its sounding anvil shaped

 Each burning deed and thought.

 a. Who is the worthy friend referred to here?

 b. Explain flaming forge of life.

 c. What lesson does the blacksmith teach us?

 d. What do the last two lines of the poem mean?

C. Think and answer.

 1. What is Longfellow's message in his poem? Is this message still relevant  today?

 2. Which images (mental pictures) in the poem strengthen/illuminate the  poet's message?

 3. Discuss the routine that the blacksmith follows day in day out regardless of  the season. What does this show about him? Are you as particular as him  with your daily work schedule?

 4. Think hard. Does your day have a routine like the blacksmith? Compare and  contrast your day. Think of the half done work—the procrastination and the  feeling if the task is complete or incomplete.

Appreciation

 A. Imagery is an impactful usage of language that creates a concrete representation of

 an object or an experience. In the mind of a reader, it may touch upon any of the five

 senses to get the true sense of the word. Note down the images that Longfellow uses

 to describe

 1. the blacksmith.

 2. the swing of his hammer.

 B. Alliteration is the repetition of similar sounds, usually consonants. For example,

 mighty man. Search for more examples of alliteration in the poem.

 C. What is the tone of this poem? Write down at least five words to justify your answer.

Writing

 Longfellow has emphasised how the life and work of a humble person can provide

 inspiration. Write an essay about one such person you know and how his/her principles

 of life have inspired you to be a honest and hardworking child.

Life Skills

 What do you know about your own self? Are you aware about what motivates you and

 what troubles you? Complete the following sentences by answering them for yourself.

 You may also add more sentences.

 1. I am really good at...

 2. What makes me feel sad is...

 3.  I feel troubled with...

 4.  I am bored when I...

 5. What I do to help myself when I am sad...

Here's a breakdown of the exercises and possible answers based on the poem "The Village Blacksmith" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:

Comprehension

A. Answer the following questions.

1. What words are used to describe the strength of the blacksmith?

   
   

   Words such as "mighty," "large and sinewy hands," and "muscles of his brawny arms" convey the blacksmith's strength.

2. Pick out the words or lines that bring out the hard work the blacksmith does.

   
   

   "His brow is wet with honest sweat," "week in, week out, from morn till night," and "each morning sees some task begin, each evening sees it close."

3. Which of your five senses does the third stanza appeal to? List the words/phrases that appeal to a specific sense.

   
   

   It appeals to the senses of hearing (e.g., "bellows blow," "swing his heavy sledge," "measured beat and slow") and sight (e.g., "flaming forge," "burning sparks that fly").

4. To what is the blacksmith's swinging of his sledge compared?

   
   

   The poet compares it to a sexton ringing the village bell when the evening sun is low.

5. What are the happy and sad moments the blacksmith experiences on Sunday?

   
   

   His happy moment is hearing his daughter's voice in the choir, which makes him rejoice. His sad moment comes when he thinks of his late wife.

6. Would you like to be a blacksmith or the iron that melts to form something new? Explain your choice.

   
   

   (Student's personal response)

7. Why does the persona thank the blacksmith in the last verse?

   
   

   The speaker thanks the blacksmith for the life lesson that hard work, resilience, and honesty are like the forge where one shapes their character and life.

B. Read the lines and answer the questions.

1. His hair is crisp, and black, and long...For he owes not any man.

   • a. The blacksmith.

   • b. The expression means he lives an honest life with no debts.

   • c. The blacksmith is depicted as strong, independent, and hardworking. He’s honest and unafraid to face life’s challenges.

   • d. Words like "honest sweat" and "owes not any man" show his honesty and hard work.

2. He goes on Sunday to the church...And it makes his heart rejoice.

   • a. He attends church every Sunday, showing his religious devotion.

   • b. Hearing his daughter’s voice in the choir brings him joy and reminds him of his late wife.

   • c. The voice brings back memories of his wife, who he imagines singing in Paradise.

   • d. The poet mentions his life’s routine, both joyful and sorrowful, showing resilience.

3. He needs must think of her once more...A tear out of his eyes.

   • a. "She" is his late wife, whom he imagines singing in heaven.

   • b. Hearing his daughter's voice reminds him of his wife.

   • c. The blacksmith wipes a tear as he remembers his deceased wife.

   • d. This stanza reveals the blacksmith's depth of feeling and love for his family.

4. Toiling—rejoicing—sorrowing...earned a night's repose.

   • a. The stanza shows he works tirelessly, faces joy and sorrow, and finishes tasks daily.

   • b. "Has earned a night's repose" means he deserves a restful sleep after a day’s hard work.

   • c. Rejoicing: hearing his daughter sing. Sorrowing: thinking of his late wife.

   • d. His hard work, honesty, and emotional strength earn him peace and satisfaction.

5. Thanks, thanks to thee, my worthy friend...Each burning deed and thought.

   • a. The blacksmith.

   • b. "Flaming forge of life" represents life’s challenges that shape character.

   • c. The blacksmith teaches us resilience, honesty, and the value of hard work.

   • d. The last two lines mean our actions and thoughts are forged into our character, much like iron is forged into shape on an anvil.

C. Think and answer.

1. What is Longfellow's message in his poem? Is this message still relevant today?

   
   

   Longfellow’s message is that honest hard work and integrity lead to fulfillment and respect. This message remains relevant as these values are timeless.

2. Which images in the poem strengthen the poet's message?

   
   

   Images of the blacksmith’s hard work, such as "measured beat and slow" and "flaming forge," illuminate the poem’s message of resilience.

3. Discuss the blacksmith's routine. Are you as dedicated in your daily work?

   
   

   The blacksmith’s routine shows dedication and perseverance. (Student’s personal response)

4. Do you have a routine like the blacksmith? Compare and contrast.

   
   

   (Student’s personal response)

Appreciation

A. Imagery

• The blacksmith: "mighty man," "large and sinewy hands," "muscles of his brawny arms."

• The swing of his hammer: "like a sexton ringing the village bell," "measured beat and slow."

B. AlliterationExamples: "week in, week out," "measured beat and slow."

C. Tone of the poemThe tone is respectful, admiring, and reflective. Words such as "honest sweat," "rejoice," "earned," and "worthy friend" convey this tone.

Writing

Write about a person you know who, like the blacksmith, inspires you with their honesty and hard work. Discuss the principles they live by and how they motivate you to be a better person.

Life Skills

Complete the sentences:

1. I am really good at...

2. What makes me feel sad is...

3. I feel troubled with...

4. I am bored when I...

5. What I do to help myself when I am sad