JUAN, TRISHA MAE M.

BSED 2-1

GEE5 Outside readings:

MIDTERM PROJECT

Psalm of Life

ANALYSIS:
Life's Meaning in Poetry

Juan Trisha Mae

Psalm of life analysis

"A Psalm of Life" is a famous poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, published in 1838. The poem is divided into nine stanzas,
each consisting of four lines, and it presents a message of hope and encouragement to those who feel lost or disheartened.
Here's an analysis of the poem:

Stanza 1: In the opening stanza, Longfellow establishes the theme of the poem - life is not an empty dream, but a real and
meaningful experience. He urges his readers to act in the present moment, to make the most of their time on earth.

Stanza 2: The second stanza expands on this idea, emphasizing the importance of living in the present and not dwelling on the
past or worrying about the future. Longfellow urges his readers to seize the day and enjoy the beauty of the world around them.

Stanza 3: In this stanza, Longfellow acknowledges that life can be difficult and full of struggle, but he encourages his readers to
persevere and not give up in the face of adversity. He suggests that there is a purpose to life, and that each individual has a role
to play in the grand scheme of things.

Stanza 4: Longfellow shifts his focus to the concept of fame and success, warning that they are fleeting and ultimately
meaningless. Instead, he suggests that the true measure of a person's worth is the impact they have on the world around them
and the good that they do for others.

Stanza 5: Continuing the theme of living for others, Longfellow urges his readers to be kind and compassionate, and to help
those in need. He suggests that this is the way to leave a lasting legacy and make a meaningful impact on the world.

Stanza 6: In this stanza, Longfellow acknowledges that life is not always fair, and that some people may face more challenges
and suffering than others. He suggests that this is all part of the larger plan, and that each person has a role to play in the
universal struggle against evil and injustice.

Stanza 7: Longfellow shifts his focus to the idea of death, acknowledging that it is a natural part of life, but suggesting that it is
not something to be feared. He suggests that death is simply a transition to a new stage of existence, and that the good that a
person has done in life will continue to resonate after they are gone.

Stanza 8: Longfellow returns to the idea of living in the present moment, emphasizing that each day is a gift and should be
cherished. He urges his readers to make the most of their time on earth and to pursue their passions and dreams.

Stanza 9: In the final stanza, Longfellow reiterates the central message of the poem - that life is real and meaningful, and that
each person has a role to play in the grand scheme of things. He urges his readers to be strong and to persevere in the face of
adversity, and to make the most of their time on earth.

Overall, "A Psalm of Life" is a poem that encourages its readers to live a meaningful and purposeful life, to embrace the present
moment, and to make a positive impact on the world around them.
Questions to be answered for expository analysis:

- What is the subject matter of the text

The subject matter of "A Psalm of Life" is the importance of living a purposeful and meaningful life, regardless of the challenges
and difficulties that may come along the way. The poem encourages the reader to seize the day, to make the most of every
moment, and to strive for greatness in all endeavors. It emphasizes the idea that life is not a mere fleeting moment but a
journey that must be pursued with enthusiasm and determination. The poem also touches on themes such as the power of the
human spirit, the beauty of nature, and the role of faith and spirituality in shaping one's outlook on life.

- What is the focus of the topic

The focus of the topic "Psalm of Life" is the poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The poem is a reflection on the
meaning and purpose of life, and encourages readers to make the most of their time on earth by living with purpose, passion,
and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Through the use of powerful and inspiring language, Longfellow urges readers to reject the idea of a life that is meaningless
and to instead embrace the notion that each person has the power to shape their own destiny and leave a lasting legacy.
The poem speaks to the human desire for purpose and meaning, and serves as a reminder that life is short and precious,
and that we should make the most of every moment by striving for excellence and making a positive difference in the world.

- What is the main idea of the text

The main idea of the poem is that life is not just a fleeting moment, but a journey that should be embraced with
enthusiasm and purpose.

- What is purpose of the author in writing the text?

The purpose of the author in writing the text "Psalm of Life" is to encourage readers to embrace a positive and proactive
approach to life. The poem, written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, presents a message of hope, urging readers to make the
most of their time on earth and to pursue their dreams and aspirations with vigor and determination.

- Who is the intended audience of the text

The intended audience of the text "Psalm of Life" is likely anyone who is seeking inspiration or guidance for how to live a
meaningful and purposeful life.

- How is the method of the paragraph developed/organized?

(These are used for analyzing expository or informational text).
Poem Organization: Extended Metaphor

"The Psalm of Life" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a famous poem that presents a message of hope and inspiration to
its readers. The poem is organized into nine stanzas, each consisting of four lines.
The method of paragraph development or organization in "The Psalm of Life" is mainly through the use of extended
metaphor and repetition. Longfellow uses the metaphor of a ship sailing on the sea to represent the journey of life. He compares
our lives to a ship that sails through the rough and stormy seas of life, but must always stay on course and continue moving
forward.
In the first stanza, Longfellow introduces the metaphor of the ship and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. He
emphasizes the importance of taking action and not being afraid to face the challenges that life presents. In the following
stanzas, Longfellow repeats the phrase "Life is" to further develop the metaphor and explain the various aspects of life that the
ship must navigate.

Longfellow also uses other literary devices such as alliteration, rhyme, and parallel structure to reinforce his message. For
example, in the fifth stanza, he uses the phrase "footprints on the sands of time" to describe the legacy that we leave behind.
This phrase not only contains alliteration but also creates a vivid image that emphasizes the importance of making a positive
impact on the world.

In summary, the method of paragraph development in "The Psalm of Life" is primarily through the use of extended
metaphor, repetition, and various literary devices to convey the poem's message of hope and inspiration.