* Repetition: The most obvious device is the repetition of the title phrase, "The tide rises, the tide falls." This is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the relentless rhythm of nature and the inevitability of change.
* Metaphor: The tide, with its rising and falling, is used as a metaphor for the cycle of life and death. It suggests that the journey of life is like the tide – it rises, crests, and then recedes, leaving behind only the trace of its presence.
* Personification: The poem uses personification when it describes the tide as "softly" and "gently" coming in and "steals" the sands. This gives the natural force a human-like quality, making it seem more intimate and connected to the human experience.
* Imagery: The poem is rich with imagery, evoking vivid pictures in the reader's mind. The descriptions of the sea "lapping" at the shore, the "dark" and "lonely" beach, and the "gray" and "cold" dawn create a somber and evocative atmosphere.
* Symbolism: The "little traveler" and the "dark" and "lonely" beach can be seen as symbols of human life. The traveler represents the individual, while the beach symbolizes the vastness and mystery of life and death.
* Structure: The poem's structure further emphasizes the cyclical nature of life. The stanzas are short and simple, mirroring the rhythmic ebb and flow of the tide. The poem also uses a simple AABB rhyme scheme, creating a soothing and hypnotic effect.
* Theme of Mortality: The central theme of the poem is the inevitability of death. The traveler's journey is ultimately futile, as he is swallowed by the sea, and his presence is erased by the rising tide. This reinforces the idea that life is fleeting and that all things eventually return to the natural cycle of existence.
By skillfully weaving together these literary devices, Longfellow creates a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of mortality, the cyclical nature of life, and the enduring power of the natural world.