Symbol Analysis
That "drooping" western star is chockfull of symbolism. Early on we understand the relation between this "great star disappeared" and the untimely disappearance of the speaker's hero (Lincoln)—sad. Since it "droops" so low on the horizon, we also get the sense of it closely watching over us and empathizing with the speaker's grief. Even the heavens are unified with humanity's suffering on Earth. Thanks, heavens. We knew you had our backs.
- Lines 4-6: The "drooping" western star is also part of the speaker's "trinity." So just like the lilacs that remind the speaker of the one he loves, the western star does the same. Its "powerful" light is a stark reminder of the powerful and great man of whom the speaker will forever be reminded.
- Lines 61-63: The star is full of "woe," which tells us it empathizes with the speaker's suffering. It's also by his side, which again reminds us of the heavens sharing in man's woe. Once it's "lost" in the "black of the night," we also understand that, with its departure, Lincoln is also symbolically departing this world.
- Lines 69-70: The star "detains" the speaker here, which tells us that he can't quite let go of the one he loves. The memory of Lincoln and his greatness still lingers and keeps the speaker "detained" in his woe at this point of the poem.
- Lines 205-207: The star is also part of the final "trinity" we see here, which gives us a sense of resolution and peace by the very end of the poem. The great power it symbolizes is not lost, but is rather there in the "fragrant pines" and the mysterious-unconscious world the speaker now understands a bit more.