Introduction: “A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, first appeared in 1838 in the collection Voices of the Night, captures the transcendentalist spirit of the time, focusing on themes of resilience, hope, and the purpose of life. Through its compelling message, the poem urges readers not to dwell on the past or fear the future, but to live fully in the present and strive toward meaningful accomplishments. The line “Life is real! Life is earnest!” encapsulates its core idea: life is a profound journey where every moment holds purpose, and each individual has the potential to leave a lasting impact. The poem’s popularity stems from its inspirational message and rhythmic simplicity, making it memorable and accessible to generations of readers seeking encouragement in challenging times. Longfellow’s optimistic view of human potential and spiritual perseverance has kept “A Psalm of Life” resonant and widely celebrated across various literary landscapes.
Text: “A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
What The Heart Of The Young Man Said To The Psalmist.
Tell me not, in mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream!
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.
Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
Dust thou art, to dust returnest,
Was not spoken of the soul.
Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way;
But to act, that each to-morrow
Find us farther than to-day.
Art is long, and Time is fleeting,
And our hearts, though stout and brave,
Still, like muffled drums, are beating
Funeral marches to the grave.
In the world’s broad field of battle,
In the bivouac of Life,
Be not like dumb, driven cattle!
Be a hero in the strife!
Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant!
Let the dead Past bury its dead!
Act,— act in the living Present!
Heart within, and God o’erhead!
Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time;
Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o’er life’s solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.
Let us, then, be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.
Annotations: “A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
| Line | Annotation |
| Tell me not, in mournful numbers, | The speaker begins by rejecting a pessimistic or mournful view of life. “Mournful numbers” suggests verses or sayings that express sadness or fatalism. |
| Life is but an empty dream! | The speaker argues against the notion that life is meaningless or insubstantial, as if life were simply a fleeting or hollow dream. |
| For the soul is dead that slumbers, | This line suggests that those who are spiritually or mentally inactive (“slumber”) are effectively dead, as they lack purpose or awareness. |
| And things are not what they seem. | The speaker implies that surface appearances are deceptive; life has deeper meaning beyond what we see. |
| Life is real! Life is earnest! | Emphatically declares that life is meaningful and serious, rejecting the idea of life as trivial or unimportant. |
| And the grave is not its goal; | Asserts that life’s purpose is not solely to end in death; there is more to existence than merely reaching the grave. |
| Dust thou art, to dust returnest, | References the Biblical phrase from Genesis, emphasizing the physical nature of our bodies, which return to dust after death. |
| Was not spoken of the soul. | Contrasts the mortality of the body with the immortality of the soul, suggesting the soul’s purpose transcends physical death. |
| Not enjoyment, and not sorrow, | Life’s purpose is not to seek only pleasure or wallow in sorrow. These emotions are temporary and not the ultimate aims of existence. |
| Is our destined end or way; | The true purpose of life is neither indulgence in pleasure nor surrender to sorrow. The speaker suggests a higher calling beyond these states. |
| But to act, that each to-morrow | Encourages proactive engagement in life. Emphasizes the importance of action as a means of growth and progress. |
| Find us farther than to-day. | The speaker encourages self-improvement, where each day brings progress over the previous one. |
| Art is long, and Time is fleeting, | “Art” refers to human achievements and wisdom, which endure, whereas time is short. This line stresses the urgency to achieve something meaningful before time runs out. |
| And our hearts, though stout and brave, | While people may be courageous and strong-willed, they are still mortal. This line acknowledges human bravery and resolve. |
| Still, like muffled drums, are beating | Compares the heartbeats to “muffled drums,” a symbol often associated with death, suggesting that life inevitably marches toward death. |
| Funeral marches to the grave. | Reinforces the idea that death is an inescapable part of life’s journey, as each heartbeat brings us closer to the grave. |
| In the world’s broad field of battle, | Life is metaphorically described as a battlefield, underscoring the struggles and challenges inherent in human existence. |
| In the bivouac of Life, | Refers to life as a temporary encampment (bivouac), highlighting the transient nature of existence. Life is a pause on the journey, not the destination. |
| Be not like dumb, driven cattle! | A call to resist conforming passively. “Dumb, driven cattle” symbolizes mindless following without purpose or individuality. |
| Be a hero in the strife! | The speaker encourages readers to be courageous and face life’s challenges with the spirit of a hero. |
| Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant! | Warns against relying on an idealized future. Instead, the speaker advocates living fully in the present rather than placing hope in uncertain outcomes. |
| Let the dead Past bury its dead! | Suggests letting go of past regrets or failures, as they belong to a time that no longer exists. |
| Act,— act in the living Present! | Emphasizes the importance of taking immediate action in the present moment, which is the only time we truly possess. |
| Heart within, and God o’erhead! | Advocates for inner strength and trust in divine guidance, presenting a combination of self-reliance and spiritual faith. |
| Lives of great men all remind us | Points to the lives of influential figures as examples that encourage us to lead meaningful lives. |
| We can make our lives sublime, | Suggests that by following the examples of great people, we can elevate our own lives to something noble or beautiful. |
| And, departing, leave behind us | Implies that a life lived meaningfully leaves a legacy that endures even after death. |
| Footprints on the sands of time; | “Footprints” symbolize lasting impacts or legacies left by individuals, even after they are gone. The image of sand suggests the temporary nature of life, yet these impressions can inspire others. |
| Footprints, that perhaps another, | Hints that the legacy left by one person may help guide or encourage others. |
| Sailing o’er life’s solemn main, | Compares life to a vast ocean, highlighting its challenges and depth. “Solemn main” suggests the seriousness of life’s journey. |
| A forlorn and shipwrecked brother, | Refers to others who may be struggling or “shipwrecked” in life, feeling lost or defeated. |
| Seeing, shall take heart again. | Expresses hope that these struggling individuals can find renewed hope or courage by witnessing the legacies left by others. |
| Let us, then, be up and doing, | Calls for active engagement with life’s tasks rather than passivity, encouraging purposeful action. |
| With a heart for any fate; | Encourages resilience and readiness to face any outcome, accepting both success and hardship. |
| Still achieving, still pursuing, | Advocates for continuous striving and progress in life, regardless of challenges. |
| Learn to labor and to wait. | Emphasizes the virtues of hard work (“labor”) and patience (“wait”), suggesting that success often requires both sustained effort and a willingness to wait for results. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
| Literary Device | Example | Explanation |
| Alliteration | “mournful numbers,” “dumb, driven” | Repetition of the initial consonant sounds (“m” in “mournful numbers” and “d” in “dumb, driven”) creates rhythm and emphasis on the despair and passivity that the speaker seeks to challenge. |
| Anaphora | “Life is real! Life is earnest!” | Repetition of the phrase “Life is” at the beginning of consecutive lines emphasizes the speaker’s passionate belief in the purpose and seriousness of life. |
| Metaphor | “Life is but an empty dream!” | Compares life to an “empty dream” to criticize the pessimistic view that life is meaningless. |
| Personification | “For the soul is dead that slumbers” | Personifies the soul as capable of being “dead” when inactive, implying that a passive life leads to spiritual death. |
| Simile | “Still, like muffled drums, are beating” | Compares heartbeats to “muffled drums” to evoke the sound of a slow, solemn march toward death, representing life’s fleeting nature. |
| Symbolism | “Footprints on the sands of time” | “Footprints” symbolize the lasting impact or legacy left by one’s actions, showing how lives can leave a mark for others to follow. |
| Epigram | “Dust thou art, to dust returnest, / Was not spoken of the soul.” | This short, memorable statement contrasts the mortality of the body with the immortality of the soul, encapsulating a key message of the poem about life’s deeper purpose. |
| Hyperbole | “Life is real! Life is earnest!” | Exaggerates the seriousness and importance of life to emphasize the speaker’s view that life has true purpose beyond mere existence. |
| Apostrophe | “Tell me not, in mournful numbers” | The speaker addresses an unknown listener, creating a conversational tone that draws the reader into the poem’s argument against a fatalistic view of life. |
| Allusion | “Dust thou art, to dust returnest” | Refers to Genesis 3:19 in the Bible, reminding readers of the Biblical concept of the body’s mortality, but the poet argues this was not meant for the soul. |
| Imperative Mood | “Be not like dumb, driven cattle!” | The command form (“Be not”) is used to directly urge readers to take action and resist passivity. |
| Imagery | “In the world’s broad field of battle” | Creates a vivid mental image of life as a battlefield, suggesting struggle, conflict, and the need for courage. |
| Metonymy | “the grave is not its goal” | The “grave” represents death, emphasizing that life’s goal is not simply to reach the end but to achieve something meaningful along the way. |
| Paradox | “Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant!” | Contradicts the idea of trusting in a positive future by urging readers to focus on the present instead, which challenges traditional optimism about the future. |
| Rhyme Scheme | ABAB | The poem follows an ABAB rhyme scheme, giving it a consistent rhythm that enhances its musicality and makes its message more memorable. |
| Parallelism | “Still achieving, still pursuing” | Uses parallel structure to emphasize continuous effort and ambition, reinforcing the theme of perseverance. |
| Synecdoche | “Heart within, and God o’erhead!” | The “heart” represents the entire self or inner strength, while “God o’erhead” symbolizes divine guidance or the presence of a higher power. |
| Oxymoron | “Life is but an empty dream!” | Combines “life” and “empty” in a seemingly contradictory way to highlight the speaker’s disagreement with the idea that life is meaningless. |
| Assonance | “And things are not what they seem” | Repetition of the vowel sound “a” in “are,” “not,” and “what” creates a harmonious effect, subtly emphasizing the illusory nature of life’s surface appearances. |
| Didactic Tone | “Let us, then, be up and doing” | The speaker adopts a tone of instruction, encouraging readers to take action and approach life with a sense of purpose and diligence, embodying the poem’s message of active and meaningful living. |
Themes: “A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
- The Purposefulness of Life: Longfellow emphasizes that life has inherent meaning and is not just a transient, empty existence. Rejecting the notion that life is “but an empty dream,” he asserts, “Life is real! Life is earnest!” These lines reinforce the idea that life holds purpose and should not be dismissed as meaningless. The speaker urges readers to see life as a journey of growth and achievement, rather than merely a series of empty days, and encourages them to make each day count by acting purposefully and with intention.
- Carpe Diem (Seize the Day): Another prominent theme is the importance of living in the present and making the most of each moment. The line, “Act,— act in the living Present! / Heart within, and God o’erhead!” conveys this idea of embracing the current moment rather than focusing on an idealized future or dwelling on the past. Longfellow’s speaker insists that true fulfillment and progress come from active engagement with life as it unfolds, stressing that individuals should not rely on an uncertain future but should instead act with purpose and conviction in the here and now.
- The Transience of Life and Death: The poem frequently references the inevitability of death, reminding readers that time is fleeting. “Art is long, and Time is fleeting, / And our hearts, though stout and brave, / Still, like muffled drums, are beating / Funeral marches to the grave.” This imagery emphasizes life’s temporal nature and the steady march toward death. However, the speaker does not see this as a reason for despair; rather, he uses it as motivation for individuals to live fully and leave a lasting legacy, illustrating that life’s brevity should inspire meaningful action.
- Leaving a Legacy: Longfellow celebrates the idea of creating a legacy through one’s actions. By referencing the “footprints on the sands of time,” he suggests that people can leave behind meaningful impacts that endure beyond their lifetimes. “Lives of great men all remind us / We can make our lives sublime,” he writes, underscoring that each person has the potential to influence others positively. These “footprints” are symbols of the achievements and virtues that inspire future generations, particularly those who may feel lost or discouraged, providing them with hope and encouragement to persevere.
Literary Theories and “A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
| Literary Theory | Explanation | References from the Poem |
| Humanism | Humanism emphasizes the importance of individual agency, the pursuit of knowledge, and a commitment to live a meaningful life. Longfellow’s poem reflects humanist values by advocating for self-improvement and purpose in life. | The line “Act,— act in the living Present! / Heart within, and God o’erhead!” reflects the humanist ideal of using personal will and guidance to shape one’s destiny. |
| Existentialism | Existentialism focuses on the individual’s quest for purpose and meaning in an indifferent or fleeting world. The poem’s insistence on finding purpose in life aligns with existentialist themes. | The lines “Life is real! Life is earnest! / And the grave is not its goal;” suggest that individuals must create meaning beyond inevitable death, a core existential idea. |
| Transcendentalism | Rooted in the belief that individuals can transcend material limitations and connect with a higher spiritual realm, Transcendentalism values intuition, self-reliance, and a profound connection to the present moment. | “Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant! / Let the dead Past bury its dead!” embodies transcendentalist ideas by advocating for a focused, spiritually aware present moment. |
Critical Questions about “A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
- What view of life does the speaker reject, and why?
- The speaker explicitly rejects a pessimistic or nihilistic view of life, often expressed in “mournful numbers,” or sorrowful perspectives that declare “Life is but an empty dream!” Longfellow’s speaker argues against the idea that life lacks purpose, emphasizing instead that “Life is real! Life is earnest!” These lines convey a counter-argument to a fatalistic outlook, asserting that life is meaningful and should not be dismissed as inconsequential. The speaker’s passionate refutation of this worldview establishes the poem’s central theme that life holds inherent value and significance, urging readers to see their lives as opportunities for action and growth.
- How does the poem portray the concept of legacy?
- Legacy is a crucial theme in the poem, depicted as the lasting impact one leaves for future generations. The speaker suggests that “Lives of great men all remind us / We can make our lives sublime, / And, departing, leave behind us / Footprints on the sands of time.” These “footprints” symbolize achievements and contributions that persist even after death, inspiring others to live meaningfully. The metaphor of “footprints on the sands of time” underscores the transient nature of human life while highlighting the enduring influence one can have on others, suggesting that each person’s actions can provide hope and encouragement for future generations.
- What role does the present moment play in the speaker’s philosophy?
- The present moment is central to the speaker’s philosophy, serving as the primary arena for action and self-realization. The speaker urges, “Act,— act in the living Present! / Heart within, and God o’erhead!” emphasizing that one should not be immobilized by concerns about the past or the future. By instructing readers to focus on the “living Present,” Longfellow stresses the importance of taking purposeful steps each day, making every moment count rather than relying on an idealized future or regretting the past. This focus on the present moment reflects the poem’s encouragement of an active, purposeful engagement with life as it unfolds.
- How does the poem address the inevitability of death?
- While the poem acknowledges death as an inevitable part of life, it encourages readers to see life as a journey toward something more significant than simply reaching the end. The speaker writes, “And the grave is not its goal; / Dust thou art, to dust returnest, / Was not spoken of the soul.” Here, Longfellow separates the physical body, which is bound for the grave, from the soul, which carries a greater purpose beyond death. This distinction reflects a belief in the enduring nature of the human spirit and the importance of living a meaningful life. Rather than fearing death, the speaker sees it as a reminder to live fully, leaving a legacy that transcends mortality.
Literary Works Similar to “A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
- “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley
Like “A Psalm of Life”, “Invictus” celebrates inner strength and resilience, emphasizing the power of human will in overcoming adversity. - “If—” by Rudyard Kipling
Kipling’s “If—” provides guidance on how to live a purposeful and courageous life, much like Longfellow’s emphasis on resilience and integrity in the face of life’s challenges. - “Thanatopsis” by William Cullen Bryant
This poem reflects on death and the natural cycle of life, encouraging readers to live fully, a theme that aligns with Longfellow’s focus on living with purpose and leaving a legacy. - “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost
Frost’s poem examines life’s choices and the impact of taking an unconventional path, echoing Longfellow’s encouragement of individuality and making meaningful choices in life. - “Ulysses” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Tennyson’s “Ulysses” embodies a spirit of perseverance and an active approach to life’s journey, resonating with Longfellow’s message of purposeful action and striving for greatness.
Representative Quotations of “A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “Tell me not, in mournful numbers, / Life is but an empty dream!” | The speaker begins by rejecting pessimistic perspectives on life, which view it as meaningless or insubstantial. | Humanism: Affirms life’s purpose and value. |
| “Life is real! Life is earnest! / And the grave is not its goal;” | This emphatic statement establishes the poem’s central idea that life has profound purpose and that its significance goes beyond death. | Existentialism: Emphasizes creating meaning within a transient life. |
| “Not enjoyment, and not sorrow, / Is our destined end or way;” | The speaker suggests that life is not solely about seeking pleasure or wallowing in sorrow, but about purpose and progress. | Stoicism: Advocates a balanced life beyond simple pleasures or pain. |
| “But to act, that each to-morrow / Find us farther than to-day.” | Urges continual self-improvement and the pursuit of personal growth each day. | Transcendentalism: Emphasizes personal progress and self-reliance. |
| “Art is long, and Time is fleeting,” | Recognizes that while knowledge and human achievements endure, individual lives are short, underscoring the urgency to live meaningfully. | Humanism: Values the enduring impact of human creativity. |
| “In the world’s broad field of battle, / In the bivouac of Life,” | Life is metaphorically described as a battlefield, a place of struggle, resilience, and courage. | Romanticism: Sees life as a dynamic struggle, calling for bravery. |
| “Be not like dumb, driven cattle! / Be a hero in the strife!” | Encourages readers to live with purpose and individuality, resisting passivity and conformism. | Individualism: Advocates personal agency and heroism. |
| “Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant! / Let the dead Past bury its dead!” | Advises readers to focus on the present, rather than relying on an idealized future or clinging to past regrets. | Existentialism: Emphasizes the importance of living fully in the present. |
| “Footprints on the sands of time;” | Symbolizes the impact one leaves on the world, which can guide and inspire others even after death. | Legacy Theory: Examines how individual actions leave a lasting influence. |
| “Learn to labor and to wait.” | Concludes with a reminder of the virtues of hard work and patience, necessary qualities for a meaningful life. | Pragmatism: Advocates practical virtues for enduring success. |
Suggested Readings: “A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
- Anderson, Jill. “‘Be up and Doing’: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Poetic Labor.” Journal of American Studies, vol. 37, no. 1, 2003, pp. 1–15. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/27557251. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.
- Gruesz, Kirsten Silva. “El Gran Poeta Longfellow and a Psalm of Exile.” American Literary History, vol. 10, no. 3, 1998, pp. 395–427. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/490103. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.
- HUBER, MIRIAM BLANTON. “CHILDREN’S POETRY (Continued).” The Elementary English Review, vol. 3, no. 9, 1926, pp. 287–99. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41382168. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.
- HIRSH, EDWARD L. “Henry Wadsworth Long Fellow.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow – American Writers 35: University of Minnesota Pamphlets on American Writers, NED-New edition, University of Minnesota Press, 1964, pp. 5–45. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5749/j.cttts9mq.2. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.