A
Psalm of Life by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Type: Inspirational
/ didactic poem
Published: 1838
🧑🎓 About the
Poet:
Henry Wadsworth
Longfellow (1807–1882) was one of the most famous American poets of
the 19th century. His works often carry messages of hope, faith, and
perseverance. Some of his best-known poems include The Village Blacksmith,
The Song of Hiawatha, and A Psalm of Life. Longfellow’s poetry is
lyrical, moral, and motivational.
📝 Summary of “A
Psalm of Life”
Longfellow’s A
Psalm of Life is a motivational and inspirational poem that
encourages readers to live active, meaningful, and purposeful lives.
The poet rejects pessimism and fatalism. He urges that life is real and
earnest, not an empty dream. Death is not the goal of life — instead, we
should act bravely and leave behind noble examples for others to follow.
Longfellow
believes that we should make the best use of our time on earth, work hard,
and achieve greatness by acting in the present moment. The poet’s tone is
positive, moral, and life-affirming.
🪶 Paraphrase
(Stanza-wise Explanation):
Stanza
1:
The poet
rejects sorrowful songs about life being an empty dream. Life is real and
purposeful, not meaningless.
Stanza
2:
Life’s goal is
not death; our soul is immortal. We are meant to live, grow, and act —
not to die.
Stanza
3:
We should not
compare life to pleasure or sorrow. Instead, we should act and live with
purpose, bravely facing challenges.
Stanza
4:
Time passes
quickly, and death will come soon. Hence, we must work hard in the present
and make every moment count.
Stanza
5:
Life is a
battlefield, and we are like soldiers. We must fight bravely, not
surrender to despair.
Stanza
6:
We should trust
no future, but act in the present, remembering that time is
precious.
Stanza
7:
We should live
in such a way that when we die, we will leave footprints on the sands of
time — examples that will inspire others.
Stanza
8:
These examples
will encourage others who are struggling, giving them hope and courage.
Stanza
9:
So, the poet
concludes that we must work hard, trust in God, and keep doing good deeds
with courage and faith.
🌟 Themes:
- Purpose of
Life: Life should be lived actively and meaningfully.
- Carpe Diem
(Seize the Day): Act in the present; don’t waste time.
- Immortality
of the Soul: The human soul is eternal.
- Optimism
and Hope: Always remain hopeful and courageous.
- Moral
Action: Life’s greatness lies in good deeds and
noble living.
- Inspiration
for Others: One’s life can inspire future
generations.
💬 Poetic Devices
and Features:
|
Device |
Example |
Effect |
|
Metaphor |
“Life is
real! Life is earnest!” |
Compares life
to something serious and meaningful |
|
Simile |
“Be not like
dumb, driven cattle” |
Encourages
active and intelligent living |
|
Alliteration |
“Footprints
on the sands of time” |
Musical
quality and emphasis |
|
Imagery |
“Footprints
on the sands of time” |
Vivid picture
of leaving legacy |
|
Personification |
“Time is
fleeting” |
Gives
life-like quality to time |
|
Symbolism |
“Footprints”
= deeds that inspire others |
Represents
legacy and influence |
|
Tone |
Inspirational,
moral, optimistic |
Motivates the
reader |
💡 Critical
Appreciation:
A Psalm of Life is a timeless
poem that inspires readers to live meaningfully. It reflects Longfellow’s deep
moral faith and optimistic philosophy.
He uses simple language, musical rhythm, and vivid imagery to express profound
truths.
The poem stands as a “song of action” — it teaches that every person can
contribute to humanity through hard work, courage, and faith.
📖 Moral /
Message:
- Life is valuable — live it with
purpose and passion.
- Do not waste time in idleness
or despair.
- Work hard and leave behind a
positive example.
- Trust in God and act bravely in
every situation.
Important Questions
**Q1.
What is the central idea of the poem “A Psalm of Life”?
Ans:
The poem conveys the message that life is meaningful, purposeful, and full of
possibilities. Longfellow urges us to live actively and nobly rather than
passively or hopelessly. Life is not meant for idleness or despair but for action,
progress, and moral greatness.
**Q2.
What does the poet mean by “Life is real! Life is earnest!”?
Ans:
By this line, Longfellow asserts that life is serious and valuable. It should
not be wasted in laziness or sorrow. Our time on earth is real and precious,
not a dream or illusion.
**Q3.
What does the poet say about death in the poem?
Ans:
The poet says that death is not the goal of life.
Life’s true purpose is to act and achieve something meaningful before death
comes. The soul is immortal and continues to exist even after death.
**Q4.
Explain the meaning of “Act, act in the living Present.”
Ans:
The poet advises that we should not brood over the past or dream of the future.
Instead, we must live in the present moment, working hard
with courage and faith.
**Q5.
What does “footprints on the sands of time” symbolize?
Ans:
It symbolizes the good deeds and noble actions
that people leave behind after death. These footprints serve as examples for
others, inspiring them to live courageously and purposefully.
**Q6.
What comparison does the poet make between life and a battlefield?
Ans:
The poet compares life to a battlefield where every human
being is a soldier. We must fight bravely against difficulties, temptations,
and despair instead of running away from them.
**Q7.
What is the poet’s attitude toward pessimism?
Ans:
The poet rejects pessimism completely. He dislikes sad songs and hopeless
thoughts that describe life as empty or meaningless. Instead, he preaches hope,
action, and optimism.
**Q8.
What message does Longfellow give to humankind?
Ans:
Longfellow’s message is that we should live with purpose, courage, and faith in
God. We must make the best use of our time, perform noble deeds, and leave
behind a lasting legacy.
**Q9.
What should one not trust, according to the poet?
Ans:
One should not trust the future, as it is
uncertain and unpredictable. Instead, one should act wisely and bravely in the present
to shape destiny.
**Q10.
How can our lives inspire others?
Ans:
If we live with courage and goodness, our actions will leave “footprints” that
can motivate
and encourage others who may be struggling or losing hope.
**Q11.
How does the poet want us to face the challenges of life?
Ans:
The poet encourages us to face challenges like brave soldiers — with
determination, faith, and patience — without giving up or being afraid of
failure or death.
**Q12.
What does the line “Dust thou art, to dust returnest” imply, and how does the
poet interpret it?
Ans:
The line means that human bodies return to dust after death. But the poet says
this rule applies to the body, not the soul,
because the soul is immortal and divine.
**Q13. How
does Longfellow describe time in the poem?
Ans:
He describes time as fleeting — it passes quickly.
Therefore, we must not waste it in idleness or regret but use it meaningfully
to achieve something great.
**Q14.
Why does the poet advise us not to be “like dumb, driven cattle”?
Ans:
He advises us not to live passively or thoughtlessly, like animals being driven
without purpose. Instead, we should lead active, courageous, and independent lives.
**Q15.
What role does faith play in the poem?
Ans:
Faith gives strength and courage to act despite difficulties. The poet ends the
poem by urging us to labour and wait, trusting in
God and the results of our actions.
**Q16.
What type of poem is “A Psalm of Life”?
Ans:
It is a didactic (moral and inspirational)
poem — one that teaches lessons about how to live a meaningful, purposeful, and
noble life.
**Q17.
What kind of tone is maintained throughout the poem?
Ans:
The tone is optimistic, encouraging, and uplifting.
The poet uses energetic language to motivate readers to rise above despair.
**Q18.
According to the poet, what is the best way to live life?
Ans:
The best way is to live actively in the present, perform good deeds, face
hardships bravely, and leave behind a positive example for others to follow.
**Q19.
Why does the poet call life “not an empty dream”?
Ans:
Because life has purpose, meaning, and opportunities for action. It should not
be wasted in sorrow or idleness but used to achieve noble goals.
**Q20.
What lesson do you learn from “A Psalm of Life”?
Ans:
We learn that life is precious and full of possibilities.
We should make it meaningful through courage, faith, and good deeds, leaving
behind a legacy of inspiration.
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