A Psalm of Life
Tell me not, in mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream!
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
Dust thou art, to dust returnest,
Was not spoken of the soul.Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way;
But to act, that each to-morrow
Find us farther than to-day.Art is long, and Time is fleeting,
And our hearts, though stout and brave,
Still, like muffled drums, are beating
Funeral marches to the grave.In the world’s broad field of battle,
In the bivouac of Life,
Be not like dumb, driven cattle!
Be a hero in the strife!Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant!
Let the dead Past bury its dead!
Act, act in the living Present!
Heart within, and God o’erhead!Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time;Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o’er life’s solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.Let us, then, be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.
Summary of the Poem A Psalm of Life
- Popularity of “A Psalm of Life”: Penned by the celebrated American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “A Psalm of Life” remains a cherished work due to its optimistic perspective on life. First published in 1848, the poem explores the possibilities inherent in human existence and encourages readers to embrace life fully. Its enduring popularity stems from its universally relatable message.
- “A Psalm of Life” as a Presentation of Life: This poem delivers an optimistic outlook on life. The speaker directly addresses and advises readers, urging them to reject pessimism. Longfellow argues that life isn’t a futile dream, but an opportunity for growth and achievement. We are not defined by fate, but by our actions and the legacy we leave behind. The poet emphasizes that we should focus on living purposefully rather than passively awaiting death.
- Major Themes in “A Psalm of Life”: Life and hope are central to the poem. Longfellow advocates living in the present, urging readers to learn from the past but not be burdened by it. He portrays life as a challenge, a “battle,” and encourages us to face it with courage and determination. Throughout, the poem inspires readers to make the most of their lives and leave a positive impact on the world.
Analysis of Literary Devices in “A Psalm of Life”
Literary devices empower writers to convey ideas, emotions, and create deeper meaning for readers. Longfellow skillfully employs several such devices in this poem.
- Allusions: An allusion is an indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, or literary significance. The opening line, “Tell me not, in mournful numbers,” alludes to biblical Psalms, establishing a tone of spiritual reflection.
- Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds within close proximity. Consider the line “Lives of great men all remind us,” the repetition of the short “i” sound creates a musical effect.
- Imagery: Longfellow utilizes vivid imagery to paint pictures in the reader’s mind. For example, “Footprints on the sands of time” evokes a strong visual of lasting legacy.
- Personification: Giving human qualities to inanimate objects or abstract concepts. The line “Still, like muffled drums, are beating / Funeral marches to the grave” personifies the heart, imbuing it with a sense of somber inevitability.
- Anaphora: The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. The repeated emphasis on “Life is” in “Life is real! Life is earnest!” underscores the poem’s central affirmation.
- Consonance: The repetition of consonant sounds within close proximity. Note the repetition of the “r” sound in “A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,” which adds to the poem’s musicality and emphasizes the brother’s plight.
- Paradox: A statement that appears self-contradictory but contains a truth. “And things are not what they seem” suggests that reality is more complex than surface appearances.
- Parallelism: The use of similar grammatical structures to create a sense of balance and rhythm. The phrases “Life is real” and “Life is earnest!” are parallel in structure, emphasizing their equal importance.
- Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words. The repetition of the “n” sound in “Not enjoyment, and not sorrow” creates a subtle musical effect.
This skillful deployment of literary devices enhances the poem’s impact and memorability.
Analysis of Poetic Devices in “A Psalm of Life”
Poetic devices are techniques used by poets to create specific effects and enhance the artistic quality of their work.
- Stanza: A stanza is a group of lines forming a unit within a poem. “A Psalm of Life” consists of nine stanzas.
- Quatrain: A quatrain is a four-line stanza. Each stanza in this poem is a quatrain.
- Rhyme Scheme: The pattern of rhymes at the end of lines in a poem. The rhyme scheme throughout “A Psalm of Life” is ABAB.
- End Rhyme: Rhyme that occurs at the end of lines. The end rhyme contributes to the poem’s musicality and creates a sense of closure within each stanza, as seen with words like “dream” and “seem”.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines are particularly inspiring and could be used in speeches or sermons to uplift and encourage others:
“In the world’s broad field of battle,
In the bivouac of Life,
Be not like dumb, driven cattle!
Be a hero in the strife!”
“A Psalm of Life” is more than just a poem; it is a call to action, a reminder to embrace the challenges of life with courage, purpose, and unwavering hope. Longfellow’s timeless message continues to resonate with readers today, inspiring them to live fully and leave a lasting legacy.