'Hope' Summary

'Hope,' a short, poignant poem by William Dean Howells, follows the speaker on a sea voyage where the vastness of the ocean mirrors the vastness of existence. The journey is fraught with danger, echoing the challenges and uncertainties of life. Yet, amidst the perilous waters, the speaker finds a sense of hope for something beyond this mortal life. The poem uses the metaphor of a ship sailing towards the horizon, symbolizing a journey towards the unknown, representing the transition between life and death. The speaker's unwavering faith in an afterlife emerges as a powerful counterpoint to the fear and uncertainty surrounding death. Through its vivid imagery and poignant language, 'Hope' offers a stirring meditation on the enduring power of faith and the human desire for something greater than our earthly existence.