What is the theme of a poem? In a simple deifinition.

I need help finding a simple theme for the poem The Wreck of The Hesperus, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Thanks-MC

http://www.answers.com/topic/theme-literature

One way to figure it out is to ask yourself this: What is the hidden message that the author (poet) wants me to understand after reading this work?

Look at the end of that poem....

Here is an interesting article of that poem.

http://www.bookstove.com/Historical-Fiction/Stormy-Seas-A-Review-of-The-Wreck-of-the-Hesperus-and-The-Perfect-Storm.63192

The theme of a poem refers to the main idea or underlying message that the poem conveys. It is the central topic that the poet wants to explore or communicate to the reader. To determine the theme of a poem, it is helpful to analyze the poem's content, tone, and use of figurative language.

To find a simple theme for the poem "The Wreck of The Hesperus" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, you can start by closely reading the poem and identifying key elements and ideas. In this particular poem, the theme can be inferred from the story it tells.

"The Wreck of The Hesperus" is a narrative poem that recounts a tragic sea journey and subsequent shipwreck by a sailor named Hesperus and his daughter. One possible theme of this poem is the destructive power of nature or the dangers of confronting and underestimating the forces of the natural world. The poem emphasizes the stormy sea and the disastrous consequences of challenging its might.

To support this theme, Longfellow uses vivid imagery, such as "The icy ocean started back / Like startled hosts at a victor's tread" to depict the menacing power of the waves. He also uses powerful metaphors, such as "The sea in wrath / Lifted up her voice and cried" to portray the sea as an angry force that wreaks havoc.

By analyzing the content, tone, and use of literary devices, you can carefully consider the overarching message of the poem and arrive at a conclusion about its theme. Remember that different readers may have slightly different interpretations, but the theme should be supported by evidence present in the poem.