Welcome, aspiring wordsmiths and curious minds, to an exploration of a truly profound and timeless poem. Today, the focus is on R. L. Sharpe’s insightful work, “A Bag of Tools.” This poem, though brief, offers a powerful message about life, choices, and the lasting impact each individual creates. Let us begin by immersing ourselves in the poem itself.
ISN’T IT strange
That princes and kings,
And clowns that caper
In sawdust rings,
And common people
Like you and me
Are builders for eternity?Each is given a bag of tools,
A shapeless mass,
A book of rules;
And each must make—
Ere life is flown—
A stumbling block
Or a steppingstone.
A Bag of Tools Summary: Unpacking Life’s Purpose
R. L. Sharpe’s “A Bag of Tools” is a concise yet deeply meaningful poem that delves into the universal human experience. First published in 1890, its message remains remarkably relevant, speaking to readers about the essence of life, individual purpose, and the critical choices made along the way.
The Central Idea: Agency and Lasting Impact
The core message of “A Bag of Tools” is that every person, regardless of their social standing or walk of life, possesses the inherent capacity and responsibility to shape their existence and contribute to something enduring. Whether one is a monarch, an entertainer, or an everyday citizen, each individual is equipped with potential, symbolized by the “bag of tools.” This potential can be used to construct either obstacles, referred to as “stumbling blocks,” or pathways for progress, known as “steppingstones,” for oneself and for others.
Noteworthy Insights for All Readers
This poem transcends a literal interpretation of building or carpentry. It functions as a powerful metaphor for the gifts, opportunities, and challenges encountered throughout life. “A Bag of Tools” emphasizes that human lives are not predetermined but are actively constructed through decisions and actions. The poem serves as a profound reminder that one’s legacy is ultimately defined not by inherent status or identity, but by the tangible and intangible creations built during one’s time. It encourages reflection on the power of individual agency and the profound responsibility that comes with it.
A Bag of Tools Analysis: A Deeper Look at the Craft
To truly appreciate the depth of “A Bag of Tools,” a closer examination of its structure, language, and underlying themes is essential. This analysis will explore the poem’s layers of meaning, offering a comprehensive understanding of its enduring power.
The Universal Builder: A Shared Human Condition
The opening lines of the poem immediately establish a central theme of shared humanity and universal purpose. Sharpe skillfully juxtaposes seemingly disparate figures:
ISN’T IT strange
That princes and kings,
And clowns that caper
In sawdust rings,
And common people
Like you and me
Are builders for eternity?
This contrast between “princes and kings,” “clowns that caper,” and “common people” highlights a fundamental truth: all individuals are united in their capacity to create. The rhetorical question, “Are builders for eternity?” is not a literal claim of immortality, but rather a profound recognition that human actions have far-reaching effects, extending beyond individual lifetimes. The concept of “eternity” here refers to the lasting impact and legacy of one’s choices and creations. The poet’s use of parallelism, repeating a similar grammatical structure across these lines, creates a rhythmic effect and underscores the inclusivity of this universal statement, emphasizing that this truth applies to everyone.
The Gift of Potential: “Each is given a bag of tools”
This line introduces what is arguably the most potent and central metaphor in the entire poem:
Each is given a bag of tools,
A shapeless mass,
A book of rules;
The “bag of tools” symbolizes the inherent potential residing within every individual. This encompasses talents, skills, resources, opportunities, and even personal characteristics. It is a compelling image, suggesting that people are not empty vessels but are rather equipped with everything necessary to create something meaningful in their lives. The subsequent phrase, “A shapeless mass,” subtly implies that this potential is raw, unformed, and undefined. It requires conscious effort, direction, and application to take on a specific form or purpose. This suggests that inherent abilities are not automatically beneficial, but must be honed, developed, and purposefully applied to yield results.
Rules and Choices: The Path to Creation
The “book of rules” is a more ambiguous yet crucial element in the poem. It can be interpreted in several ways: representing societal norms, moral codes, ethical principles, or simply the natural laws and realities of the universe. These rules, while potentially setting boundaries, also provide a necessary framework within which actions can be taken and creations can be formed. The critical point emphasized by the poem is that individuals are not merely passive recipients of these tools and rules. Instead, they are actively tasked with the responsibility to “make” something with them. The poem then presents a stark, binary choice:
And each must make—
Ere life is flown—
A stumbling block
Or a steppingstone.
This choice is not presented as a simple dichotomy of good versus evil, but rather as a fundamental decision between constructive and destructive action. Will one use their potential and operate within the given framework to hinder progress and create obstacles, or to facilitate advancement and build pathways for themselves and others?
The Urgency of Time: “Ere life is flown”
The phrase “Ere life is flown” introduces a powerful sense of urgency and the finite nature of existence. “Ere” means “before,” so the line translates to “before life has flown away.” The poem does not dwell on the fear of death, but rather underscores the profound importance of making the most of the limited time available. It serves as a compelling call to action, urging individuals to utilize their “bag of tools” wisely, purposefully, and without undue delay. The verb “flown” evokes an image of swift passage, like a bird taking flight, reinforcing the idea that time is precious, irreversible, and cannot be recovered once it has passed. This emphasizes the immediate need for conscious choice and action.
Literary Devices in A Bag of Tools: Sharpe’s Poetic Craft
R. L. Sharpe employs several literary and poetic devices to enhance the meaning, rhythm, and impact of “A Bag of Tools.” Understanding these techniques enriches the reader’s appreciation of the poem.
Metaphor and Symbolism: Layers of Meaning
The poem is exceptionally rich in both metaphor and symbolism, which allow it to convey profound ideas in a concise manner. The central metaphor, the “bag of tools,” represents the inherent potential, talents, skills, and opportunities that each person possesses. This is not a literal bag of hammers and saws, but a symbolic representation of one’s capabilities. Similarly, the “shapeless mass” within the bag symbolizes raw, undeveloped potential. The “book of rules” symbolizes the guiding principles, moral codes, or societal expectations that influence one’s actions. Most powerfully, the “stumbling block” and “steppingstone” are symbols for the consequences of one’s choices, representing either obstacles that impede progress or aids that facilitate it. These symbolic elements enable the poem to operate on multiple levels, inviting readers to interpret its meaning through the lens of their own experiences and understanding of life.
Juxtaposition: Highlighting Shared Humanity
Sharpe effectively uses juxtaposition in the poem’s opening lines to contrast different social classes and roles. By placing “princes and kings” alongside “clowns that caper” and “common people,” the poet emphasizes the shared human condition that unites all individuals, regardless of their station. This technique powerfully underscores the poem’s overarching message that everyone, without exception, possesses the potential to be a “builder for eternity.” The stark contrast makes the shared responsibility even more prominent.
Alliteration and Assonance: Musicality and Emphasis
Sharpe employs alliteration, the repetition of initial consonant sounds, and assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, sparingly but effectively to create a pleasing sound quality and draw attention to specific phrases. For instance, the repetition of the “m” sound in “And each must make” creates a subtle emphasis on the active and imperative nature of creation. Similarly, the repetition of the short “e” sound in “Are builders for eternity?” contributes to the poem’s musicality and reinforces its central theme of lasting impact. These devices add a subtle layer of auditory appeal and reinforce key ideas.
Enjambment: Creating Flow and Anticipation
Enjambment is the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line of poetry to the next without a pause. Sharpe utilizes this device to create a sense of natural flow and, at times, a subtle anticipation for the reader. For example, in the lines:
And common people
Like you and me
Are builders for eternity?
The phrase “Like you and me” flows directly into the question on the next line. This creates a subtle pause after “me,” which draws the reader’s attention directly to their own role in this universal endeavor, making the poem’s message more personal and immediate. It encourages the reader to continue reading to complete the thought.
Free Verse: Freedom and Natural Rhythm
The poem is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict, regular rhyme scheme or meter. This structural choice allows Sharpe to create a natural, conversational rhythm that mimics everyday speech. Without the constraints of traditional poetic forms, the poem feels more organic, immediate, and accessible. This stylistic choice reinforces the poem’s message that individuals are free to shape their own destinies and make their own choices, mirroring the freedom in its form. Despite the lack of strict meter, the poem still possesses an inherent rhythm that guides the reader through its powerful message.
A Bag of Tools: Quotes for Inspiration and Reflection
The enduring power of “A Bag of Tools” lies in its ability to distill profound truths into memorable lines. One particular excerpt encapsulates the poem’s entire philosophy:
“Each is given a bag of tools,
A shapeless mass,
A book of rules;
And each must make—
Ere life is flown—
A stumbling block
Or a steppingstone.”
This passage serves as the poem’s core, articulating the fundamental human condition. It reminds readers that everyone is endowed with potential, guided by principles, and faced with the crucial responsibility of creating something meaningful and impactful before their time on Earth concludes. It is a powerful call to action, urging individuals to embrace their agency, thoughtfully consider their choices, and consciously build a legacy that will endure beyond their immediate presence.
In conclusion, “A Bag of Tools” by R. L. Sharpe is a deceptively simple poem with profound and far-reaching implications. Its timeless message about human potential, individual responsibility, and the critical importance of making meaningful choices continues to resonate deeply with readers across generations. It stands as a powerful reminder that every person possesses the inherent power to shape their own destiny and contribute to something lasting, whether that contribution becomes an obstacle or a pathway for progress. This poem encourages thoughtful reflection on the impact of one’s actions and the legacy one chooses to build.