What is Success
What is Success?
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty and to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived;
This is to have succeeded.
Summary of What is Success
- Popularity of “What is Success”: This concise poem, “What is Success,” penned by the American philosopher and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, first appeared in The Complete Works in 1908. Its enduring appeal lies in its unique definitions of success, each intricately linked to different facets of life and offering a perspective beyond mere material achievement.
- “What is Success” as a Representative of Success and Happiness: The poem begins with a direct question, immediately engaging the reader in a contemplation of what truly constitutes success. Emerson does not offer a single answer; instead he presents a series of qualities and experiences that together define a successful life. He proposes that happiness, respect, appreciation, and the ability to find beauty are all components of success, but that true success also involves resilience in the face of adversity and a commitment to improving the world around us.
- Major Themes in “What is Success”: The core themes of the poem revolve around success, beauty, and the well‑being of others. Emerson suggests that success is not merely about personal gain but about making a positive impact on the lives of those around you. The poem champions a philosophy where societal betterment, aesthetic appreciation, and bringing joy to others are integral to achieving a fulfilling and truly successful life.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in What is Success
Literary devices are the tools writers use to enrich their work and convey meaning in a more compelling and nuanced way. Let us explore how Emerson employs these techniques in “What is Success.”
- Assonance: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within words that are close together. This creates a musical quality and adds emphasis. For example, in the line “To win the respect of intelligent people,” the short “i” sound in “win,” “intelligent,” and “people” creates a subtle but noticeable effect.
- Alliteration: Alliteration involves the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. While not heavily used, the phrase “a bit better” exemplifies this, drawing attention to those specific words.
- Anaphora: Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. Emerson skillfully uses “To…” at the beginning of multiple lines, creating a rhythmic pattern and emphasizing the series of qualities that define success. This repetition builds momentum and underscores the interconnectedness of these ideas.
- Consonance: Consonance focuses on the repetition of consonant sounds within words. In the line “To win the respect of intelligent people,” the repeating “t” and “l” sounds add texture to the poem.
- Enjambment: Enjambment occurs when a sentence or phrase continues from one line to the next without punctuation. In “To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition,” the thought continues seamlessly across the lines, mirroring the ongoing nature of making a positive impact.
- Imagery: Emerson uses vivid language to create mental pictures. Phrases like “a healthy child,” “a garden patch,” and “the betrayal of false friends” evoke strong emotional responses and allow the reader to connect with the poem’s message on a personal level.
- Metaphor: While not explicit, the entire poem functions as an extended metaphor. Success itself is not directly defined but is represented through a series of actions, qualities, and experiences.
- Oxymoron: The phrase “false friends” is an oxymoron—a combination of contradictory terms. This highlights the complex nature of human relationships and the challenges one faces in life.
- Personification: The poem implies that life itself can “breathe easier” because of one’s actions, giving life a sense of agency and responsiveness.
- Rhetorical Question: The poem’s opening line, “What is Success?” is a rhetorical question. Emerson does not expect an answer; he poses the question to initiate a deeper consideration of the concept.
- Symbolism: Several elements within the poem carry symbolic weight. The garden represents growth and nurturing, the child symbolizes hope and potential, and life itself embodies the ultimate goal of a fulfilling existence.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in What is Success
Poetic devices are specific techniques used in poetry to create rhythm, enhance meaning, and evoke emotion. Let us examine how Emerson utilizes these tools in “What is Success.”
- Free Verse: The poem does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. This freedom allows Emerson to focus on conveying his message in a natural and conversational tone.
- Stanza: The poem is structured into stanzas, which visually group related ideas and create a sense of flow.
- Repetition: As discussed previously, the consistent repetition of “To…” is a key poetic device that emphasizes the qualities of a successful life.
Quotes to be Used
These lines from “What is Success” are particularly powerful and resonate deeply with themes of community, respect, and positive influence:
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
This line beautifully captures the essence of a life well lived, emphasizing the importance of genuine connection and leaving a positive impact on those around you. It serves as a reminder that true success is not about accolades or material possessions but about fostering meaningful relationships and earning the respect and love of others.
Ultimately, “What is Success” offers a timeless and inspiring message about the true meaning of a fulfilling life. By carefully employing literary and poetic devices, Emerson invites us to reflect on our own values and to strive for a life characterized by kindness, compassion, and a commitment to making the world a better place.