Poetic Appreciation of the poem ‘Have You Earned
Your Tomorrow?’
Class 12 MS Board English
About
the Poet:
Edgar Guest was an American poet and
writer known for his prolific output of inspirational and motivational poetry.
His poems were widely popular and appeared in newspapers and magazines. His
poetry is characterized by its simplicity and motivational message.
About
the Poem and the Title of the Poem:
The title encapsulates the central
question and theme of the poem that have you done something worth today so that
you have a right to have a more pleasing day in your life. The word
"earned" implies that the future is not a given; it must be worked
for and deserved. This title sets the readers to reflect upon their responsibility
towards the society.
"Have You Earned Your
Tomorrow?" is a motivational and reflective poem.
Theme:
The choices and actions we make in the
present have a direct impact on our future. The theme of the poem centers
around this and reminds us of our personal responsibility, moral and ethical
behavior in the society. The poem emphasizes the idea that each individual is
responsible for their own future. The poem goes beyond mere material success
and calls for ethical and moral reflection. It asks whether the reader has been
kind, honest, and compassionate in their interactions with others, highlighting
the importance of treating people with respect and dignity. It suggests that
true success is not just about personal gain but about making a positive impact
on the lives of others and contributing to the well-being of the community. The
theme is universal and timeless, as it calls for introspection and
accountability in the lives of individuals from all walks of life.
Language and Style:
The poem is structured as a series of
questions. Each stanza consists of two lines of rhymed verse. This style of the
poem makes it simple and direct.
Poetic
Devices:
The poet has employed several poetic
devices to convey its message.
1.
Repetition: The phrase "Have you
earned your tomorrow?" is repeated at the beginning of each stanza,
reinforcing the message.
2.
Rhetorical Questions: The poem uses
rhetorical questions such as “Have you lived as you please, / Or have you
fought for the right?"
3.
Alliteration: ‘toiling time’
4.
Oxymoron: ‘Selfish pure’ can be seen as
oxymoron as selfish cannot be pure. They are opposite in meaning.
Message/Value:
The poem's message is universal and
timeless. It reminds readers that the choices and actions we make today have a
direct impact on the quality of our future. It encourages self-assessment and
calls for kindness, honesty, and a sense of responsibility in our daily lives.
‘Have You Earned Your
Tomorrow?’
Class 12 MS Board English
No comments:
Post a Comment