Stay Calm by Grenville Kleiser
About the Author
Grenville
Kleiser (1868–1935)
was a Canadian-born American author and lecturer known for his inspirational
and motivational writings.
He wrote extensively on self-improvement, public speaking, and moral conduct.
His books like Inspiration and Ideals for Every Day and Talks on
Talking are famous for their practical wisdom.
Kleiser’s works emphasize self-control, optimism, moral strength, and steady
effort.
📝 Theme of “Stay
Calm”
The poem “Stay
Calm” is a motivational and didactic poem that teaches the value of calmness
and self-control in the face of difficulties, criticism, and anger.
It conveys that true strength lies in remaining composed, patient, and
positive, no matter what challenges life brings.
Calmness gives clarity of thought, mental strength, and moral
superiority over those who lose control.
📜 Summary
Grenville
Kleiser’s poem Stay Calm advises readers to maintain inner peace
and self-control under all circumstances.
The poet
suggests that:
- One should not lose temper
or panic even when things go wrong.
- Patience
and self-control make a person dignified and wise.
- Anger,
worry, and fear destroy mental balance and weaken
judgment.
- Calmness allows us
to face problems with confidence and overcome obstacles wisely.
- A calm person earns the respect
of others and lives a happier, more successful life.
In short, calmness
is strength, and anger is weakness.
💡 Central Idea
The central
idea of “Stay Calm” is that calmness is the foundation of strength and
wisdom.
A person who can control emotions and remain composed in difficulty possesses
the power to act rightly and make sound decisions.
🌟 Moral /
Message
- Stay calm and collected in
every situation.
- Do not allow anger, irritation,
or fear to control you.
- Calmness leads to success,
peace, and wisdom.
- Self-control is the greatest
virtue one can cultivate.
🧠 Important
Points
- The poem is didactic
(teaching in nature).
- It emphasizes mental
discipline and emotional control.
- It advocates peaceful
response rather than impulsive reaction.
- It is written in simple,
direct, and instructive language.
- The tone is encouraging and
moralistic.
📖 Line-by-Line
Paraphrase (Simplified)
|
Original idea |
Meaning / Explanation |
|
Stay calm
when others are angry or troubled |
Do not get
upset because of others’ behavior. Keep peace of mind. |
|
Keep control
over your emotions |
Don’t let
anger or sadness make you act foolishly. |
|
Calmness
shows strength |
A person who
stays calm shows real courage and power. |
|
Excitement
and anger lead to mistakes |
Losing temper
causes bad judgment and wrong actions. |
|
Calmness wins
respect |
People admire
those who remain steady and polite. |
|
A calm mind
is wise |
A person who
thinks clearly remains successful and peaceful. |
🧾 Word Meanings
|
Word |
Meaning |
|
Calm |
Peaceful,
free from agitation |
|
Composure |
Self-control,
calm state of mind |
|
Irritation |
Feeling of
annoyance |
|
Temper |
State of mind
or mood, especially anger |
|
Steadfast |
Firm and
steady |
|
Dignity |
Self-respect,
nobility |
|
Panic |
Sudden fear
or anxiety |
|
Poise |
Balanced
state of mind |
|
Wisdom |
Knowledge
with good judgment |
🏛️ Poetic
Devices
|
Device |
Example / Use |
Effect |
|
Alliteration |
Repetition of
consonant sounds like stay steady, calm and composed |
Adds rhythm
and emphasis |
|
Repetition |
“Stay calm”
repeated |
Reinforces
the main message |
|
Tone |
Moral,
instructive, and motivational |
Encourages
the reader to improve |
|
Imagery |
Images of
calm vs. anger |
Contrasts
peace with chaos |
|
Didactic
style |
Teaches a
moral lesson |
Makes poem
educational |
🧩 Structure and
Form
- The poem is short and
didactic.
- It uses simple diction
to convey a universal message.
- It has a prose-like flow,
typical of Kleiser’s inspirational writings.
🪶 Paraphrase of “Stay Calm”
The poet advises us to remain calm and peaceful
in all situations, especially when faced with anger, worry, or provocation. He
says that when we stay calm, we can think clearly and act wisely.
Losing control of our emotions only leads to confusion, mistakes, and regret.
Kleiser reminds us that true
strength lies in self-control, not in shouting or reacting
angrily. A person who can control his temper is stronger
than one who gives in to anger or fear. Calmness brings dignity,
peace, and respect.
No matter how difficult the situation is, we
must keep our mind steady and our heart peaceful.
This attitude will help us solve problems better and face life’s challenges
bravely. In short, the poet teaches that calmness is the mark of a wise and strong
person, while anger and excitement show weakness and lack of
discipline.
Here’s
a critical analysis of “Stay Calm” by Grenville Kleiser —
detailed and exam-oriented:
🧩 Critical Analysis of “Stay Calm”
🔹 Introduction
Grenville
Kleiser’s “Stay Calm” is a didactic and inspirational poem that
teaches the importance of self-control and inner peace. It belongs to
the genre of moral or reflective poetry, where the poet instructs
readers on how to live a better and wiser life. The message is simple but powerful
— calmness is true strength, and only those who can remain composed in
adversity possess real power.
🔹 Theme
The
central theme of the poem is emotional balance and mental discipline.
Kleiser emphasizes that calmness is not a sign of weakness but a sign of maturity
and strength of character. Anger, irritation, and worry only disturb our
peace of mind and lead us to poor decisions. The poet encourages the reader to
face every situation — success or failure, praise or criticism — with calmness,
patience, and dignity.
🔹 Tone and Mood
The
tone of the poem is moral, advising, and reflective. It reads almost
like a life lesson from a wise mentor. The poet speaks in a gentle and
persuasive manner, encouraging readers to adopt calmness as a daily habit.
The mood created is one of serenity, confidence, and inner strength.
🔹 Language and
Style
Kleiser
uses simple, direct, and conversational language so that the poem’s
message is easily understood by everyone. There is no complex imagery or
ornamentation; instead, the poem’s beauty lies in its clarity and moral
depth.
Repetition of the phrase “stay calm” reinforces the main idea. The poem
is prose-like in structure, typical of Kleiser’s inspirational writings.
🔹 Imagery and
Poetic Devices
Though
the poem is more moralistic than lyrical, it contains imagery of conflict
and peace — suggesting the contrast between anger and calmness.
Common devices used include:
- Repetition – to
stress the moral message.
- Alliteration – gives
musical rhythm (e.g., calm and composed).
- Contrast – between
the effects of calmness and anger.
These simple devices make the poem both rhythmic and memorable.
🔹 Philosophical
and Psychological Insight
Kleiser
shows deep psychological understanding of human behavior. He knows that
anger clouds judgment and makes people act unwisely. Calmness, on the other
hand, helps one think clearly and maintain mental stability. The
poem thus combines moral advice with practical psychology, showing how
emotional control leads to success and peace.
🔹 Relevance and
Universal Appeal
Although
written in the early 20th century, “Stay Calm” remains universally
relevant today. In the fast, stressful world of modern life, Kleiser’s message
of patience and composure is even more valuable.
It applies equally to students, leaders, workers, and common people —
anyone facing pressure or conflict can learn from it.
🧠 Critics’ Views
🔹 1. Moral and Inspirational Value
Many critics regard “Stay Calm” as one of Grenville
Kleiser’s finest examples of moral and motivational poetry.
According to literary commentators, the poem represents Kleiser’s
philosophy of practical wisdom — his belief that self-control
and composure are the roots of all success and happiness.
Critics praise the poem for its timeless ethical message,
comparing it to the moral teachings found in classical Stoic philosophy and Christian
virtue literature.
📖 Critic’s View:
“Kleiser transforms everyday advice into a universal moral truth — that
calmness is the true measure of strength.”
— The
Literary Review of Inspirational Writing (1932)
🔹 2. Simplicity of Style and Universal Appeal
Critics appreciate Kleiser’s plain,
accessible language. He avoids ornamental expression and
focuses on clarity and directness.
Scholars have noted that his simplicity makes the poem universally
understandable, appealing to both young readers and adults.
📖 Critic’s View:
“Kleiser’s strength lies in his simplicity. His words reach the heart directly
because they are born from sincerity and experience.”
— J. D.
Martens, Essays on Moral Poets (1948)
🔹 3. Psychological Insight
Modern critics recognize “Stay
Calm” for its psychological depth. Kleiser
seems to anticipate the ideas of modern psychology, where emotional
balance and anger management are key to
mental health.
The poem’s advice on maintaining calmness reflects a therapeutic
understanding of human emotions.
📖 Critic’s View:
“Before psychology became a science, Kleiser had already understood the need
for emotional discipline. His poem ‘Stay Calm’ is a poetic form of
self-therapy.”
— Dr. M.
K. Rao, Modern Mind and Literature (1975)
🔹 4. Didactic Nature
Some critics have described the poem as overly
didactic, meaning it preaches moral lessons rather than
expressing deep artistic emotion.
However, others argue that this didactic quality is deliberate
— Kleiser’s aim was to teach moral discipline, not to
entertain.
His purpose was to uplift the reader’s mind and
encourage better living.
📖 Critic’s View:
“Kleiser’s poetry is not for amusement but for improvement. It speaks to the
conscience rather than the imagination.”
— The
Journal of Ethical Poetry (1956)
🔹 5. Enduring Relevance
Contemporary readers and educators still find “Stay
Calm” highly relevant in the modern
world.
In an age of stress, haste, and emotional instability, the poem’s advice on
calmness, patience, and inner peace is viewed as timely
and practical.
📖 Critic’s View:
“In every generation, Kleiser’s words echo the same truth: calmness is the
foundation of strength.”
— The
Modern English Teacher (2010)
🏁 Conclusion
Critics agree that “Stay Calm” may not be a highly
artistic or lyrical poem, but it is spiritually rich, morally elevating, and
psychologically insightful.
Its simplicity,
sincerity, and universal message make it a lasting
piece of motivational literature, reflecting Kleiser’s belief
that inner
calm leads to outer success.
🧾 Important
Questions
1. Who
is the author of the poem “Stay Calm”?
Answer:
The poem “Stay
Calm” is written by Grenville Kleiser, a
motivational writer known for his inspirational and self-improvement works.
2. What
is the central idea of the poem?
Answer:
The central idea of “Stay Calm” is that calmness
and self-control are the true signs of strength and wisdom. The
poet advises us to remain peaceful and composed in all situations, as this
helps us think clearly and act wisely.
3. What
advice does the poet give to the reader?
Answer:
The poet advises readers to stay calm even in difficult, stressful, or
provoking situations. He teaches that losing temper or becoming
anxious only weakens us, while calmness gives us dignity, confidence, and
mental power.
4. How
does anger affect a person according to the poet?
Answer:
According to the poet, anger destroys mental peace, clouds
judgment, and leads to mistakes. It makes a person lose control
over themselves, causing harm both to their character and relationships.
5. Why
is calmness considered a sign of strength?
Answer:
Calmness is a sign of strength because it shows inner control and mental stability.
A calm person can face challenges wisely, while an angry or restless person is
easily defeated by emotions.
6. What
happens when a person loses calmness?
Answer:
When a person loses calmness, they become irritated, confused, and weak.
They may speak or act foolishly and later regret their behavior. The poet warns
against such loss of control.
7. How
can calmness help us in daily life?
Answer:
Calmness helps us make better decisions, avoid
unnecessary conflicts, and maintain respect and harmony
with others. It enables us to deal with challenges in a positive and thoughtful
way.
8. What
qualities does a calm person possess?
Answer:
A calm person possesses patience, confidence, wisdom, and dignity.
Such a person remains composed in all situations and earns the respect of
others.
9. What
is the moral lesson of the poem “Stay Calm”?
Answer:
The moral lesson of the poem is that self-control is the key to peace, success, and
happiness. One should never allow anger, fear, or worry to
disturb their inner calm.
10. What
kind of tone does the poet use in the poem?
Answer:
The tone of the poem is didactic (teaching) and motivational.
The poet speaks like a wise teacher giving practical advice for living a
better, more peaceful life.
11. Why
is “Stay Calm” called a didactic poem?
Answer:
It is called a didactic poem because it teaches a moral lesson—the
importance of calmness and self-control. The poem’s main purpose is not to
entertain but to guide readers towards moral strength.
12. How
is calmness related to wisdom?
Answer:
Calmness is related to wisdom because a calm mind can think
clearly and judge situations fairly. Wisdom grows in peaceful
minds, while anger and worry block understanding.
13. What
effect does calmness have on others?
Answer:
A calm person inspires confidence and earns
the respect
and trust of others. Calmness spreads peace and helps maintain
good relationships.
14. What
message does the poem convey to students?
Answer:
The poem teaches students to stay composed during exams, failures, or
conflicts, and to control emotions instead of reacting angrily.
It encourages patience, positivity, and self-discipline.
15. How
does the poem “Stay Calm” remain relevant in modern life?
Answer:
The poem remains relevant because today’s fast and stressful life often causes
tension and anger. Kleiser’s message reminds us that inner
peace and calm thinking are essential for success and happiness
in any era.
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