8 Questions
Who put the poem to music in 1872?
John Baptiste Calkin
What is the recurring theme throughout the poem?
Listening
What did the cannon do in the poem?
Drowned the carols of peace
What did the speaker think about peace on earth?
"There is no peace on earth,"
What melody was the poem 'I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day' set to in 1872?
Waltham
What did the speaker think about the state of peace on earth?
There is no peace on earth due to the strength of hate
What effect did the cannon have in the poem?
Drowned out the carols of peace
What recurring theme is present throughout the poem?
Listening and hope
Study Notes
"I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"
- The poem was set to music in 1872.
- The recurring theme throughout the poem is the contrast between the peaceful and joyful atmosphere of Christmas and the reality of war and conflict.
- The cannon fired in the poem, disrupting the peaceful atmosphere.
- The speaker expresses doubt and skepticism about the possibility of peace on earth.
- The poem was set to the melody of "Wantanabe" in 1872.
- The speaker believes that the state of peace on earth is uncertain and fragile.
- The cannon's firing has a jarring effect, highlighting the contrast between the ideal of peace and the reality of war.
Test your understanding of the recurring theme of listening throughout the poem and its eventual message of confident hope in the midst of despair. Explore the historical context of the poem as well as its musical adaptation.
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