POEM 2 : A PSALM OF LIFE by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW

POEM 2 : A PSALM OF LIFE by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW

OUTLINE OF THE ESSAY:

*INTRODUCTION

*LIFE IS NOT AN EMPTY DREAM

*LIFE IS REAL

*VIBRATION OF HEART

*LIFE IS A BATTLE FIELD

*FOLLOW GREAT MEN

*CONCLUSION

INTRODUCTION:  ‘A Psalm of Life’ is a poem by the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.  The poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is an American Poet and Educator.  He belonged to a group called ‘The Fireside Poets’.  His poem ‘A Psalm of Life’ celebrates and glorifies life.  The psalm is the song of life.  The poet says that we have only one life.  We should make good use of this life given by god.

LIFE IS NOT AN EMPTY DREAM:  The poet in the poem speaks from his “heart”.  He says that we should not be pessimistic.  He does not accept that ‘Life’ is an empty dream.  He says that life is not a mere journey towards the grave.  We should not say that the soul is dead.  We should not allow the soul to sleep.

LIFE IS REAL:  The poet is of the opinion that ‘Life’ is real and serious.  ‘Death’ should not be our goal of life.  The soul exists even after our death.  The soul does not turn to dust.  ‘Life’ is not just sorrow or happiness.  We must go beyond sorrow or happiness.  We may march towards death but we must act.  We must make each day better than the previous one.  We must make our life meaningful.

VIBRATION OF HEART:  There is lot to be done on this earth.  But our span of life is short.  Our heart should vibrate with strength and vitality.  It should not beat slowly like the silent drums in a funeral march. There should be happiness in every beat.

LIFE IS A BATTLE FIELD:  The poet says that this world is like a battlefield. We should not be afraid and worried.   The life here is brief.  We should fight like a hero.  Let us not turn our back in the battle.  We should not behave like driven cattle. 

FOLLOW GREAT MEN:  We should look at the lives of great men.  They have achieved name and fame on earth.  Let us follow them.  Our achievements will remain forever like the foot prints on the sands of time.  Some people sailing in the sea of life may be shipwrecked.  They may lose heart.  Our achievements may provide inspiration to them.  They can pick up courage and start a new life.

CONCLUSION:  The poet concludes his poem with an optimistic note.  He says that we must overcome our fate.  It could be done only through hard work and by being active throughout our life.