“To an Athlete Dying Young” is a poem written by A. E. Housman surrounding death. The poem tells the story of a young man who was a talented athlete, depicting his victories and achievements. It then goes on to describe the funeral procession of this man who died in the prime of his life and career. He then proceeds to describe the benefits of this outcome. Through metaphors, Housman shows a different perspective on dying young. Often perceived as a tragedy, “To an Athlete Dying Young” views the death of a young, accomplished man as a positive concept. Housman shows the dying of young men in a different light than it is usually viewed. The death of the young is a tragedy only when it prevents further accomplishments. An early death prevents
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The fields upon which they compete can hold no glory, as all records will eventually be broken. Athletes assume they will be forever remembered, particularly when they have set a record. Living long enough to see it broken would not only damage their pride, but the way in which they are viewed by the public. One whose record is broken is viewed as beaten, and no longer holds any relevance. The fame has faded along with them. Housman also uses metaphors to represent the rise of fame as well as its speed in vanishing. A long life only gives time to see the end of a hero’s era. Dying young ensures that their fame will last forever, as it was never given a chance to fade. Victories may come quick, but it is the upkeep of these achievements that slows and causes the rapid decline of one’s prevalence. Fame fades faster than it comes: “And early though the laurel grows, It withers quicker than a rose” (11-12). Popularity comes and goes too fast for someone who wishes to be remembered. The laurel is a metaphor to fame. In Ancient Greece, the laurel wreath was a symbol of victory, often given at the end of an athletic competition. It was also a symbol of one of …show more content…
The inevitability of the fading of fame is only true while one is alive. Remaining alive after the years of glory have past is what causes achievements to fade and be forgotten. However, dying while in one’s prime secures a spot in society’s memory. The death of a young accomplished athlete safeguards the records and accomplishments of their life. Only in life will the fading of fame occur. An athlete dying while in his prime would be a “smart lad to slip betimes away” (9), thus preventing the imminent decline of his popularity and pride. Death halts the process of being erased from the public eye, and instead immortalizes them as a hero. Dying in one’s prime means dying undefeated, rendering them as a hero rather than be forgotten. Housman is remarking on the young athlete’s intelligence, suggesting that dying before he was forgotten proves him to be a wise man. A young death prevents the fading of glory. Housman goes on to further state that dying young is beneficial. Life provides one with time and with time there is defeat. Living past one’s glory days makes defeat unavoidable. However, dying young protects fame. One cannot be defeated in death, making the dying of the young a positive for their legacy. Life brings inevitable defeat and being surpassed by others. Death, by comparison, grants eternal victory, never suffering from the defeat that life promises. In death, one will never experience defeat. Immortalized athletes will
The fields upon which they compete can hold no glory, as all records will eventually be broken. Athletes assume they will be forever remembered, particularly when they have set a record. Living long enough to see it broken would not only damage their pride, but the way in which they are viewed by the public. One whose record is broken is viewed as beaten, and no longer holds any relevance. The fame has faded along with them. Housman also uses metaphors to represent the rise of fame as well as its speed in vanishing. A long life only gives time to see the end of a hero’s era. Dying young ensures that their fame will last forever, as it was never given a chance to fade. Victories may come quick, but it is the upkeep of these achievements that slows and causes the rapid decline of one’s prevalence. Fame fades faster than it comes: “And early though the laurel grows, It withers quicker than a rose” (11-12). Popularity comes and goes too fast for someone who wishes to be remembered. The laurel is a metaphor to fame. In Ancient Greece, the laurel wreath was a symbol of victory, often given at the end of an athletic competition. It was also a symbol of one of …show more content…
The inevitability of the fading of fame is only true while one is alive. Remaining alive after the years of glory have past is what causes achievements to fade and be forgotten. However, dying while in one’s prime secures a spot in society’s memory. The death of a young accomplished athlete safeguards the records and accomplishments of their life. Only in life will the fading of fame occur. An athlete dying while in his prime would be a “smart lad to slip betimes away” (9), thus preventing the imminent decline of his popularity and pride. Death halts the process of being erased from the public eye, and instead immortalizes them as a hero. Dying in one’s prime means dying undefeated, rendering them as a hero rather than be forgotten. Housman is remarking on the young athlete’s intelligence, suggesting that dying before he was forgotten proves him to be a wise man. A young death prevents the fading of glory. Housman goes on to further state that dying young is beneficial. Life provides one with time and with time there is defeat. Living past one’s glory days makes defeat unavoidable. However, dying young protects fame. One cannot be defeated in death, making the dying of the young a positive for their legacy. Life brings inevitable defeat and being surpassed by others. Death, by comparison, grants eternal victory, never suffering from the defeat that life promises. In death, one will never experience defeat. Immortalized athletes will