An Analysis of Longfellow's A Psalm of Life
Longfellow states this clearly when he writes, "And the grave is not its goal." Meaning that, life doesn't end for people simply because they die; there is always something more to be hopeful and optimistic for. Longfellow begins discussing how humans must live their lives in constant anticipation for the next day under the belief that it will be better than each day before it: "But to act that each to-morrow / Find us farther than to-day."
In the subsequent stanza, Longfellow asserts that there is never an infinite amount of time to live, but art that is created during one's life can be preserved indefinitely and live on long after its creator dies. In the following stanzas, Longfellow likens living in the world to fighting on a huge field of battle.
He believes that people should lead heroic and courageous lives and not sit idle and remain ineffectual while the world rapidly changes around them: "Be not like dumb, driven cattle! Be a hero in the strife!" His use of the word "strife" is especially interesting, since it clearly acknowledges that life is inherently difficult, is a constant struggle, and will never be easy. Longfellow then encourages everyone to have faith and trust the lord and not to rely on an unknown future to be stable and supportive.
He advises people to seize the moments they have before them and act while thinking about their present situations. Longfellow continues his poem by citing the lives of great and important men who were able to lead incredible lives and leave their marks. He views these men as role models for people who have yet to live their lives; Longfellow encourages his readers to leave their own "footprints on the sands of time" and become important.
The next stanza, the second to last in the poem, continues with this same point. It describes how successful people in the past have their lives copied, while those who failed serve as examples of ways of life to avoid. The final lines of the poem echo the beginning ones and offer perhaps the most important advice in a poem that is chocked full of it. Longfellow encourages all to work and try their hardest to make their lives great and accomplish as much as they can.
Longfellow conveys his message the same way he did in the rest of the poem: by speaking directly to the reader and providing his reasoning for believing in something more, in something better. Longfellow ensures his followers that the rewards for what they achieve will come eventually-if not in this lifetime, then, certainly, in the next.
Published by Tom Ato
- The Molested Will Always Live in Fear I was sexually abused by my biological father and came out at age 16 where I had to live on my own. After years of unsuccessful relationships and a mother of three daughters, I fear and accuse of my current husband ab...
- Learning How to Live a Healthy Lifestyle Why most people live unhealthy lives when they already know what to do about it.
-
The Kinders Identities: Jewish Children Torn from Their Parents to Save...
While the Kindertransport of 1938 - 1939, saved Ten Thousand Jewish Children, it was the catalyst that took them away from their Jewish identities and forced them to adjust to a...
- How to Live with an Autistic Roommate Many people have autism and lead perfectly happy "normal" lives. That is, until they get out on their own and get a roommate. What people don't realize is, although autistic people have limits to what they are capable...
-
Do Naked Mole-Rats Hold the Secret to Longer Lives for Humans?
This article tells how study of the naked mole-rat may lead to longer lives for humans
- Confrontations of Sin: A Literary Analysis of Hawthorne's Goodman Brown
- Kids are Individuals: Face It - You Can't Live Their Lives for Them
- Jesus and Mohammed: Their Lives and Teachings
- Kinds of Life
- Outrageous Behavior: Motorcycle Enthusiasts Risking Their Lives for Thrills
- Psalm 103 - a Psalm of Great Rejoicing: Devotional Response
- Did Spartan Women Live Similar Lives to Women Today?
|
|
- 10 things you need to know today: February 11, 2012 (The Week)
- Grammy Awards preview: Top 5 reasons to watch (The Week)
- No Fun Allowed: L.A. Beaches Ban Footballs, Frisbees, and Sand Digging (ContributorNetwork)
- Good day, bad day: February 10, 2012 (The Week)
- Obama's birth control compromise: 'Still unacceptable'? (The Week)
18 Comments
Post a CommentYou may wish to know that this poem has recently been recorded on an award winning album by Eliza Carthy and Norma Waterson- Topic records TSCD 579.
I'm quite clear in my mind that the comments by imbertus and others are correct. This poem is nothing about an afterlife but presents a heroic view of life as it is lived.
This poem is a sheer streak of wonder!!
My most favorite poem!! How can anyone not see God's promise and eternal life defined in these words and thoughts?
This Analysis is a misunderstanding of the poem. the poem is about life - being the hero of your own life - and nothing to do with any afterlife
it was a lot of help understanding the poem. I like it a lot more now that i acually get it
can someone help me about making a title to my argumentative essay about this poem.
I fully understand now why are we here for. It is such an inspiring poem.
My mother recited this poem for at least 70 years. She passed away 1/20/10. My nephew videoed her reciting this at 78 in advanced stage of alzheimers. She never forgot it even though she forgot who we were.
"He believes that people should lead heroic and courageous lives and not sit idle and remain ineffectual while the world rapidly changes around them...He advises people to seize the moments they have before them"
I agree with imbertus, that is exactly what I first thought when reading the poem