See It Through
by Edgar Albert Guest
When you’re up against a trouble,
Meet it squarely, face to face;
Lift your chin and set your shoulders,
Plant your feet and take a brace.
When it’s vain to try to dodge it,
Do the best that you can do;
You may fail, but you may conquer,
See it through!Black may be the clouds about you
And your future may seem grim,
But don’t let your nerve desert you;
Keep yourself in fighting trim.
If the worst is bound to happen,
Spite of all that you can do,
Running from it will not save you,
See it through!Even hope may seem but futile,
When with troubles you’re beset,
But remember you are facing
Just what other men have met.
You may fail, but fall still fighting;
Don’t give up, whate’er you do;
Eyes front, head high to the finish.
See it through!
Summary of See It Through
- Popularity of “See It Through”: “See It Through” is a motivational poem written by Edgar Albert Guest, a British-born American poet often celebrated as the “People’s Poet.” First appearing in his 1917 collection, Just Folk Tales, the poem quickly gained popularity for its encouraging message of perseverance and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Its timeless quality continues to resonate with readers today, making it a favorite among students and those seeking inspiration. It is widely considered one of his most enduring works.
- “See It Through” as a Representative of Willpower: “See It Through” embodies the indomitable human spirit. The poem champions determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to one’s goals. Guest’s accessible imagery and simple language appeal to a broad audience, regardless of their circumstances. It reminds us that with steadfast resolve, obstacles can be overcome. “See It Through” serves as a perennial source of inspiration, encouraging steadfastness in the face of adversity.
- Major Themes in “See It Through”: The poem’s central themes are perseverance, resilience, and determination. It urges readers to confront problems directly, giving their best effort without succumbing to fear of failure. The very first verse sets this tone, emphasizing readiness and resolve. The second stanza acknowledges hardship but reinforces the advice to stand firm. The final stanza reiterates the importance of perseverance and commitment, reminding us to see it through to success, despite setbacks.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in See It Through
Literary devices are the tools writers use to convey emotion, ideas, and themes, making texts more appealing and impactful. Edgar Albert Guest skillfully employs several devices in this poem to emphasize the power of a positive attitude.
- Assonance: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within the same line. For example, consider the line, “Plant your feet and take a brace.” The repetition of the short ‘a’ sound creates a harmonious effect.
- Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. “Meet it squarely, face to face” (line 2) uses the repetition of the ‘f’ sound to create a rhythmic effect, and this repetition reappears subtly throughout the poem, reinforcing its message.
- Enjambment: Enjambment occurs when a thought or clause doesn’t end at the line break but continues onto the next line. An example can be found in:
“But remember you are facing
Just what other men have met.”This creates a smoother flow and emphasizes the connection between the ideas.
- Consonance: Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds within the same line. For instance, “You may fail but fall still fighting” repeats the ‘f’ sound, while “Plant your feet and take a brace” features the ‘t’ sound.
- Imagery: Guest uses vivid imagery to help readers visualize and connect with the poem’s message. Phrases like “Lift your chin and set your shoulders,” “Plant your feet and take a brace,” and “Keep yourself in fighting trim” create strong mental pictures of strength and determination.
- Hyperbole: Hyperbole is the use of exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally. The line “Running from it will not save you” exemplifies this, emphasizing that avoiding challenges is futile.
- Personification: Personification gives human qualities to inanimate objects. In this poem, “troubles” are subtly personified, as if they are adversaries to be met and overcome.
- Symbolism: “Black clouds” symbolize the problems and difficulties one encounters in life. Additionally, body parts like eyes, face, and shoulders represent the poet’s imagining of the indomitable human spirit confronting adversity.
- Metaphor: “Plant your feet and take a brace” is a metaphor suggesting preparation and solid footing in the face of challenges. “Black may be the clouds about you” similarly uses the image of dark clouds to represent difficulties in life. “Keep yourself in fighting trim” compares maintaining readiness to being physically prepared for combat.
Analysis of Poetic Devices in “See It Through”
While literary and poetic devices often overlap, certain techniques are more commonly used in poetry. Here is an analysis of some of the poetic devices present in this poem:
- Diction: The poem’s diction is both formal and poetic, imbued with inspirational undertones. Guest uses language that is accessible yet powerful, creating a tone of encouragement and resolve.
- End Rhyme: The poem utilizes a consistent end rhyme scheme, with rhyming words appearing at the end of lines. For example, “face to face” and “take a brace” contribute to the poem’s musicality and flow.
- Meter: The poem largely follows a regular pattern of iambic feet, giving it a steady rhythm that reinforces its message of steadfastness.
- Rhyme Scheme: The poem’s rhyme scheme pairs lines with similar ending sounds, giving it a musical quality.
- Poem Type: “See It Through” is an inspirational or motivational poem, designed to encourage readers to face challenges with determination and perseverance.
- Stanza: The poem is composed of three stanzas, each containing eight lines, contributing to its balanced and structured form.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines are appropriate to encourage someone facing a difficult situation. They serve as a reminder to confront challenges directly, with a strong mindset and unwavering determination.
“When you’re up against a trouble,
Meet it squarely, face to face;
Lift your chin and set your shoulders,
Plant your feet and take a brace.”
These lines can be used to inspire children to complete tasks or projects and impart valuable life lessons.
“Don’t give up, whate’er you do;
Eyes front, head high to the finish.”