A Psalm of Life Summary

Introduction:

Someone rightly said that Literature adds to reality; it does not simply describe it. Literature is considered the best way to express feelings, thoughts, and emotions to the audience as it connects them very healthily. The audience is the backbone of any literary success and the growth of any novel or artistic work. How literature impacts its audience is the motive behind developing any work in any language. The development of English literature is considered one of the most notable achievements of writers; they used their writings to share their thoughts, feelings, and emotions. There are numerous types of works composed in English and other languages. From time to time, numerous writers tried to capture the audience's emotions, feelings, and thoughts. This can be done with the help of sound and rhythmic works. There are numerous themes used to create poems and essays in any language. Themes create the backbone of any literary work. Throughout history, we witnessed poems and essays that left a mark on the audience. As an audience of any language literature, we came across different works that left a mark on us. From Shakespeare to Anuradha Roy, numerous other outstanding writers try to create some wonderful work in the English language. In this article, we will discuss the summary of one of the most notable works in English that was ever composed.

Summary of A Psalm of Life:

As the name suggests, it is considered one of the greatest works of literature ever composed. The poem "A Psalm of Life" was written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in 1938. Through this poem, the writer wants to leave a mark on the audience by motivating them to lead meaningful lives. This lyrical and motivational poem tries to motivate the audience to live a meaningful life. Life must have a purpose, and our actions define those purposes.

At the start of the poem, the speaker tries to address the reader directly by saying that he should live in the present and not dwell in the time of the past and future. It means the writer wants the reader to live in the present and not think about the past and future. The writer mentioned that life is not an empty dream but full of numerous real and substantial experiences that make life meaningful. He mentioned that the present is everything, and we should not think about the sorrows of the past that creates a burden on us. And also not paralyzed by the uncertainties of the future. In place of this, we must focus on making the most of the present moment.

In the next stanza of the poem, the writer encourages the reader to be strong. As life is full of challenges and hardships, the reader must be strong to deal with these problems, especially in the face of adversity. While dealing with challenges and hardships, the writer says the reader should not succumb to despair. In this poem, the writer uses powerful metaphors and imagery to convey his ideas.

The writer says that life is a battlefield, and every day, we have to encounter different types of challenges and hardships. To overcome these challenges, we must fight bravely. We have to make our characters strong so we can easily deal with the trials and tribulations that come our way. He urges the readers to be like heroes by overcoming challenges and hardships, leaving a mark on the world through our actions and perseverance.

In the next stanza of the poem, the writer Longfellow emphasizes the importance of the present and the impact we can make in the world.

The writer compares the individual's life with the ship sailing on the vast ocean. He says that like on each day when a ship sails, it encounters different types of challenges, and also each day represents a new opportunity to navigate our course. After overcoming these challenges and hardships, we must move forward without fear and actively pursue our goals and dreams. He advises against idleness and passivity, urging us to take action and contribute meaningfully to society.

In the later stanza of the poem, the poet has different aspects of life. He accepted that death is true but asserted that it should not dishearten us. The poet says that death is seen as a transition. It means that it is the process of the higher realm, and we find solace in the belief that our actions and legacies will live on even after we are gone. The poet says that life should not be measured solely based on the number of years we live but by the impact we make on the world and the lives of others.

The poem also tries to explore the power of the soul in human beings. The poet says that the soul is immortal and divine. It is, above all, the limitations and power. The soul is not confined by the limitations posed by earthly existence. He believes in nurturing the soul with spiritual growth and suggests that acquiring knowledge, virtue, and love leads to a fulfilling and meaningful life. The poet emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity and encourages us to support and uplift one another in our shared journey.

In the poem's last stanza, the poet wants to conclude the poem in the most comprehensive way by reiterating the poem's central message.

He says that life Is precious and we should make our efforts strong to live a prosperous life. Poet says that we should leave our mark on the sands of time, suggesting that our actions and achievements should leave a lasting impact on the world. The poet emphasized that we should not be known for our wealth or material possessions but for our positive influence on others' lives.

Conclusion:

"A Psalm of Life" is considered one of the best works ever composed in any language. It left a powerful and inspiring impact on the reader of the poem. It encourages readers to embrace the present, overcome adversity, and lead purposeful lives. Longfellow's lyrical and motivational verses remind us of the transient nature of life and the importance of making a meaningful impact. By urging us to actively pursue our dreams, support one another, and leave a lasting legacy, the poem serves as a call to action, inspiring readers to live their lives to the fullest.