Introduction
“Let Evening Come” by Jane Kenyon is a beautiful and contemplative poem that delves into the theme of acceptance and finding peace in the inevitability of evening’s approach. Jane Kenyon, an American poet known for her clear, poignant style and emotional depth, often explored themes of nature, introspection, and life’s simple moments in her work. This poem, like much of her poetry, is rooted in the personal and universal experiences of life’s transitions.
The poem falls within the genre of lyric poetry, characterized by a personal tone, emotion, and a focus on the inner life of the speaker, often reflecting on nature or personal feelings. 🌿🌆
Meaning of Let Evening Come
Opening section: In the opening verses of Let Evening Come, Kenyon invites the natural progression of the day into night without resistance, suggesting a deep acceptance of natural cycles. The lines, “Let the light of late afternoon shine through chinks in the barn, moving up the bales as the sun moves down,” beautifully illustrate this peaceful transition.
Mid section: As the poem progresses, Kenyon shifts the imagery from the macrocosm of the evening to intimate objects and settings like the barn and a lamp. “Let it come, as it will, and don’t be afraid. God does not leave us comfortless, so let evening come,” she writes, offering comfort and a sense of divine presence or spiritual reassurance amidst change.
Concluding section: In the final lines, Kenyon’s repetition of “let evening come” serves as a gentle yet powerful refrain. This acceptance extends beyond just the day’s end, touching on larger themes of life, death, and the inevitable continuance of time.
In-depth Analysis
Stanza One —
- Imagery and Symbolism: The “light of late afternoon” and “chinks in the barn” symbolize small, fleeting moments of beauty and transience in life.
- Syntax and Diction: The simple, direct language reflects calmness and a meditative quality.
Stanza Two —
- Figurative Language: The “lamp in the window” acts as a symbol of hope, guidance, and welcome.
- Literary Techniques: Use of imperative mood (“Let it come”) emphasizes acceptance and readiness.
Stanza Three —
- Theme and Symbol: The repetitive “let evening come” embodies the poem’s theme of embracing life’s natural progression.
- Stylistic Devices: The repetition serves as a calming refrain, soothing the reader and the speaker.
Poetic Devices used in Let Evening Come
| Device | Example |
|---|---|
| Alliteration | “light of late afternoon” |
| Imagery | “shine through chinks in the barn” |
| Symbolism | “lamp in the window” as a symbol of hope |
| Repetition | Refrain “let evening come” throughout the poem |
| Assonance | “don’t be afraid” |
| Consonance | “light” and “late” |
| Metaphor | Evening as a metaphor for life’s end |
| Personification | Attributing human qualities to evening |
| Anaphora | Repetition of “Let” at the beginning of lines |
| Parallelism | The structured repetition in the poem’s format |
Let Evening Come – FAQs
Q: What is the main theme of ‘Let Evening Come’ by Jane Kenyon? A: The main theme is the acceptance of life’s natural cycles, particularly the transition from day to night, as a metaphor for life and death.
Q: How does Jane Kenyon use imagery in the poem? A: Kenyon uses vivid imagery to bring attention to the beauty of mundane moments, such as the sunlight moving across a barn, enhancing the theme of appreciation and acceptance.
Q: What poetic devices contribute to the poem’s reflective tone? A: Devices like repetition, symbolism, and imagery create a meditative and introspective tone, encouraging readers to reflect on their own experiences with change and acceptance.
Let Evening Come Study Guide
Exercise: Identify all the poetic devices used in the following verse from “Let Evening Come”: “Let the cricket take up chafing as a woman takes up her needles and her yarn. Let evening come.”
Answer Key:
- Metaphor: Comparing the cricket’s sound to a woman knitting
- Imagery: Visual and auditory elements that enrich the scene
- Personification: Attributing human actions to a cricket
- Simile: Implicit comparison in the setup of the scene
- Alliteration: Repetitive ‘c’ sounds in “cricket,” “chafing,” “takes,” “up,” and “yarn”