Introduction: “The Complaint: or Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality” by Edward Young
“The Complaint: or Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality” by Edward Young first appeared in 1742 as part of a larger collection of meditative and reflective blank verse poems. This work, composed in nine “nights,” is celebrated for its philosophical exploration of human mortality, the transience of life, and the eternal consequences of human actions. As a didactic poem, it gained popularity for its moral instruction and contemplative depth, often used as a textbook example of introspective and religious poetry in the 18th century. The poem’s vivid imagery and moral urgency are encapsulated in lines such as “Procrastination is the thief of time,” underscoring the human tendency to delay critical decisions and reforms. Young’s reflections, as expressed in the recurring advice to “Be wise today,” resonate as a call to action against life’s uncertainties, making it a timeless meditation on the frailty of human resolve and the inevitability of death. Its widespread acclaim is rooted in the universality of its themes and its rhythmic, reflective style, which invites readers to confront their mortality and strive for spiritual and moral betterment.
Text: “The Complaint: or Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality” by Edward Young
Night the First
By Nature’s law, what may be, may be now;
There’s no prerogative in human hours:
In human hearts what bolder thought can rise,
Than man’s presumption on tomorrow’s dawn?
Where is tomorrow? In another world.
For numbers this is certain; the reverse
Is sure to none; and yet on this perhaps,
This peradventure, infamous for lies,
As on a rock of adamant we build
Our mountain hopes; spin out eternal schemes,
As we the fatal sisters would outspin,
And, big with life’s futurities, expire.
Not even Philander had bespoke his shroud;
Nor had he cause, a warning was denied;
How many fall as sudden, not as safe?
As sudden, though for years admonished home:
Of human ills the last extreme beware,
Beware, Lorenzo! a slow-sudden death.
How dreadful that deliberate surprise?
Be wise today, ’tis madness to defer;
Next day the fatal precedent will plead;
Thus on, till wisdom is pushed out of life:
Procrastination is the thief of time,
Year after year it steals, till all are fled,
And to the mercies of a moment leaves
The vast concerns of an eternal scene.
If not so frequent, would not this be strange?
That ’tis so frequent, this is stranger still.
Of man’s miraculous mistakes, this bears
The palm, “That all men are about to live,”
For ever on the brink of being born:
All pay themselves the compliment to think
They, one day, shall not drivel; and their pride
On this reversion takes up ready praise;
At least, their own; their future selves applauds;
How excellent that life they ne’er will lead?
Time lodged in their own hands is folly’s vails;
That lodged in Fate’s, to wisdom they consign;
The thing they can’t but purpose, they postpone;
‘Tis not in folly, not to scorn a fool;
And scarce in human wisdom to do more:
All promise is poor dilatory man,
And that through every stage: when young, indeed,
In full content, we sometimes nobly rest,
Unanxious for ourselves; and only wish,
As duteous sons, our fathers were more wise:
At thirty man suspects himself a fool;
Knows it at forty, and reforms his plan;
At fifty chides his infamous delay,
Pushes his prudent purpose to resolve;
In all the magnanimity of thought
Resolves, and re-resolves:then dies the same.
Annotations: “The Complaint: or Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality” by Edward Young
| Line | Annotation |
| “By Nature’s law, what may be, may be now;” | Suggests the immediacy of possibilities under natural laws, emphasizing the present moment’s potential. |
| “There’s no prerogative in human hours:” | Implies that no moment of human life holds a special privilege; all are equal in significance. |
| “In human hearts what bolder thought can rise,” | Questions the audacity of human expectations, implying that presumptions are often misplaced. |
| “Than man’s presumption on tomorrow’s dawn?” | Critiques humanity’s assumption of future certainty, highlighting the fragility of life. |
| “Where is tomorrow? In another world.” | Posits that the concept of “tomorrow” is uncertain and belongs to the realm of the unknown or metaphysical. |
| “For numbers this is certain; the reverse is sure to none;” | States the inevitability of death for many, contrasting it with the uncertainty of survival. |
| “And yet on this perhaps, this peradventure, infamous for lies,” | Criticizes reliance on uncertainties (“perhaps”), which often mislead and deceive. |
| “As on a rock of adamant we build our mountain hopes;” | Highlights the irony of placing immense hope on fragile, uncertain foundations. |
| “Spin out eternal schemes, as we the fatal sisters would outspin,” | Refers to the mythological Fates (sisters who spin life’s threads), underscoring human arrogance in attempting to control destiny. |
| “And, big with life’s futurities, expire.” | Suggests that while engrossed in future plans, humans ultimately meet death, often unfulfilled. |
| “Not even Philander had bespoke his shroud;” | Mentions Philander, a symbol of unexpected death, who did not prepare for mortality. |
| “Nor had he cause, a warning was denied;” | Suggests that Philander received no warning about his death, underscoring life’s unpredictability. |
| “How many fall as sudden, not as safe?” | Reflects on the suddenness of death and the absence of preparedness for many. |
| “As sudden, though for years admonished home:” | Even those who are warned for years often meet death abruptly and unprepared. |
| “Of human ills the last extreme beware,” | Warns against the ultimate human ill: death. |
| “Beware, Lorenzo! a slow-sudden death.” | Calls out Lorenzo (a fictional listener), warning him of a lingering yet abrupt demise. |
| “How dreadful that deliberate surprise?” | Highlights the terror of a death that, though predictable, still feels shocking. |
| “Be wise today, ’tis madness to defer;” | Urges immediate action and wisdom, as delaying decisions is folly. |
| “Next day the fatal precedent will plead;” | Warns that postponement establishes a dangerous habit of procrastination. |
| “Thus on, till wisdom is pushed out of life:” | Illustrates how habitual delay erodes wisdom and meaningful living. |
| “Procrastination is the thief of time,” | A famous aphorism, emphasizing how delaying tasks wastes one’s time and potential. |
| “Year after year it steals, till all are fled,” | Describes how procrastination gradually consumes one’s life until time runs out. |
| “And to the mercies of a moment leaves the vast concerns of an eternal scene.” | Critiques reliance on last-minute efforts for matters of eternal significance, such as the soul’s fate. |
| “If not so frequent, would not this be strange?” | Points out how often people procrastinate, questioning the irony of its prevalence. |
| “That ’tis so frequent, this is stranger still.” | Reflects on the paradox of procrastination being widespread despite its harm. |
| “Of man’s miraculous mistakes, this bears the palm,” | Declares procrastination as humanity’s greatest folly. |
| “That all men are about to live,” | Notes the irony that people are always planning to truly “begin living” but never do. |
| “For ever on the brink of being born:” | Highlights the metaphorical stagnation, where people delay taking meaningful action in life. |
| “All pay themselves the compliment to think they, one day, shall not drivel;” | Critiques the human tendency to flatter oneself with the hope of future wisdom or improvement. |
| “And their pride on this reversion takes up ready praise;” | Observes how people take premature pride in imagined future accomplishments. |
| “At least, their own; their future selves applauds;” | Suggests that individuals admire a hypothetical version of themselves that never materializes. |
| “How excellent that life they ne’er will lead?” | Mocks the unrealistic ideals people set for their futures but fail to act upon. |
| “Time lodged in their own hands is folly’s vails;” | States that when people control their own time, they often waste it on trivialities. |
| “That lodged in Fate’s, to wisdom they consign;” | Contrasts with those who accept their fate and act wisely within its constraints. |
| “The thing they can’t but purpose, they postpone;” | Critiques the habit of deferring even the most essential tasks or goals. |
| “All promise is poor dilatory man,” | Identifies humanity as inherently prone to delays and unfulfilled promises. |
| “At thirty man suspects himself a fool;” | Marks a stage of self-doubt and realization in maturity. |
| “Knows it at forty, and reforms his plan;” | Suggests that at forty, individuals acknowledge their mistakes and attempt to rectify them. |
| “At fifty chides his infamous delay,” | Reflects on regret for wasted time and missed opportunities. |
| “Pushes his prudent purpose to resolve;” | Indicates an earnest, albeit late, effort to act wisely. |
| “In all the magnanimity of thought resolves, and re-resolves: then dies the same.” | Critiques the cyclical nature of human indecision, where intentions are repeatedly formed but rarely acted upon, culminating in death without change. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “The Complaint: or Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality” by Edward Young
| Device | Example | Explanation |
| Alliteration | “Procrastination is the thief of time” | Repetition of the initial consonant “th” creates a rhythmic emphasis, making the phrase memorable. |
| Allusion | “As we the fatal sisters would outspin” | Refers to the Greek mythological Fates, who control the threads of life, adding depth and cultural resonance. |
| Aphorism | “Procrastination is the thief of time” | A concise, universally applicable statement of truth, highlighting the consequences of delaying action. |
| Assonance | “Beware, Lorenzo! a slow-sudden death.” | Repetition of vowel sounds (“o” and “a”) to create a melodic effect. |
| Caesura | “Be wise today, ’tis madness to defer;” | A pause in the middle of a line, marked by punctuation, to emphasize reflection and urgency. |
| Chiasmus | “Resolves, and re-resolves: then dies the same.” | A reversal of structure to contrast resolution and inaction, reinforcing the futility of human effort without follow-through. |
| Contrast | “Time lodged in their own hands is folly’s vails; That lodged in Fate’s, to wisdom they consign.” | Highlights the difference between human folly and divine wisdom, emphasizing the theme of mortality and responsibility. |
| Enjambment | “Pushes his prudent purpose to resolve; In all the magnanimity of thought Resolves, and re-resolves: then dies the same.” | Lines flow into each other without a pause, creating a sense of continuity and urgency. |
| Epigram | “At thirty man suspects himself a fool; Knows it at forty, and reforms his plan;” | A witty, memorable statement that captures a truth about human nature and the progression of self-awareness. |
| Hyperbole | “On this perhaps, this peradventure, infamous for lies, As on a rock of adamant we build our mountain hopes;” | Exaggeration to emphasize humanity’s tendency to place immense hopes on uncertain foundations. |
| Imagery | “And, big with life’s futurities, expire.” | Evokes a vivid image of humans overwhelmed by future plans, leading to their demise. |
| Irony | “How excellent that life they ne’er will lead?” | Highlights the contradiction between people’s lofty goals and their failure to act, creating a sense of tragic irony. |
| Juxtaposition | “How dreadful that deliberate surprise?” | Places contradictory ideas (“deliberate” and “surprise”) together to emphasize the paradox of sudden but inevitable death. |
| Metaphor | “Procrastination is the thief of time” | Compares procrastination to a thief, illustrating how it robs individuals of opportunities and time. |
| Paradox | “All promise is poor dilatory man.” | Suggests that human beings are full of unfulfilled promises, a seemingly contradictory but insightful statement. |
| Personification | “Procrastination is the thief of time” | Assigns human characteristics to procrastination, portraying it as a thief that actively steals time. |
| Repetition | “Resolves, and re-resolves: then dies the same.” | Repetition of “resolves” emphasizes the cycle of human indecision. |
| Rhetorical Question | “How dreadful that deliberate surprise?” | A question posed for effect, encouraging the reader to reflect on the paradoxical nature of death. |
| Symbolism | “The vast concerns of an eternal scene.” | “Eternal scene” symbolizes the afterlife or the grand scope of existence beyond the mortal realm. |
| Tone | Reflective and didactic throughout the passage | The poem maintains a tone that seeks to teach and provoke self-reflection, emphasizing mortality and the need for wisdom. |
Themes: “The Complaint: or Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality” by Edward Young
- Mortality and the Inevitability of Death
- In “The Complaint: or Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality,” Edward Young deeply explores the certainty of death and its inescapable presence in human existence. He reflects on the unpredictability of when death will come, as seen in the line, “Nor had he cause, a warning was denied; / How many fall as sudden, not as safe?” Here, Young underscores the lack of guarantees in life and the suddenness with which death can strike. The poem frequently reminds readers that no one is exempt from mortality, warning against complacency and emphasizing the importance of preparing for the afterlife. The universality of death and its relentless approach serve as a somber reminder to reflect on one’s life and choices, urging readers to prioritize spiritual wisdom over temporal concerns.
- The Folly of Procrastination
- A central theme of “The Complaint: or Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality” is humanity’s tendency to delay important decisions and reforms, which Young critiques as a dangerous folly. The famous line, “Procrastination is the thief of time,” encapsulates the destructive nature of postponement. Young warns that such delays push wisdom out of life and lead to regrets, as evidenced in, “Resolves, and re-resolves: then dies the same.” The poem suggests that procrastination results in a wasted life, with individuals deferring meaningful actions until it is too late. Through this, Young emphasizes the importance of acting wisely and decisively in the present moment, as future opportunities are never guaranteed.
- Human Vanity and Self-Deception
- In “The Complaint: or Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality,” Young critiques the human propensity for vanity and the illusions people create about their lives. He examines the tendency to imagine a future filled with accomplishments while neglecting the present, as illustrated by, “How excellent that life they ne’er will lead?” This observation highlights the vanity inherent in human nature, where people admire their hypothetical future selves while failing to act on their current responsibilities. Young’s line, “All pay themselves the compliment to think / They, one day, shall not drivel,” reveals the self-deception many indulge in, flattering themselves with unrealistic hopes while neglecting opportunities for meaningful change.
- The Transience of Life and Eternal Consequences
- Young poignantly addresses the fleeting nature of life and the eternal consequences of human actions in “The Complaint: or Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality.” He contrasts the brevity of mortal existence with the vastness of the afterlife, urging readers to focus on spiritual preparedness. This is evident in, “And to the mercies of a moment leaves / The vast concerns of an eternal scene.” The poem critiques the tendency to prioritize earthly concerns while neglecting the soul’s fate. Through reflective and cautionary advice, Young encourages readers to view life as a preparatory stage for eternity, emphasizing the lasting impact of their choices beyond death.
Literary Theories and “The Complaint: or Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality” by Edward Young
| Literary Theory | Explanation | Application to the Poem |
| Moral Criticism | Focuses on the ethical content and didactic purpose of a literary work, assessing how it guides readers toward virtuous behavior. | The poem provides moral instruction on living wisely and preparing for eternity, as seen in, “Be wise today, ’tis madness to defer.” Young critiques procrastination and human folly, offering lessons on responsibility and spiritual awareness, aligning with the moral critic’s emphasis on improving the audience’s ethical outlook. |
| Existentialism | Examines themes of individual freedom, the meaning of life, and human mortality. | The poem’s reflections on death and the human condition resonate with existentialist concerns, particularly in, “Where is tomorrow? In another world.” Young emphasizes the uncertainty of existence and the necessity of personal accountability, mirroring existentialism’s focus on human choice and the inevitability of mortality. |
| Psychoanalytic Theory | Explores the influence of subconscious desires, fears, and conflicts on human behavior and literature. | The line, “All pay themselves the compliment to think / They, one day, shall not drivel,” highlights self-deception and internal conflicts about mortality and purpose. Young’s critique of human vanity and procrastination reflects subconscious anxieties about the passage of time and the inevitability of death, central to psychoanalytic interpretation. |
| Christian Humanism | Combines classical humanist principles with Christian theology, emphasizing the moral and spiritual development of humanity. | The poem’s religious tone and focus on the afterlife align with Christian Humanism, as reflected in, “And to the mercies of a moment leaves / The vast concerns of an eternal scene.” Young calls for spiritual reflection and moral preparedness, advocating for a balanced view of earthly life and eternal consequences through Christian teachings. |
Critical Questions about “The Complaint: or Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality” by Edward Young
- How does “The Complaint: or Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality” address the tension between mortality and immortality?
- In “The Complaint: or Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality,” Edward Young explores the tension between mortality and immortality by juxtaposing the fleeting nature of human life with the eternal implications of the soul. He reflects on this dichotomy in the line, “And to the mercies of a moment leaves / The vast concerns of an eternal scene,” which highlights how short-term actions impact one’s eternal fate. Young urges readers to live with the awareness of their mortality while preparing for the afterlife. The contrast between the finite and infinite serves as a moral framework, guiding readers to prioritize spiritual preparation over worldly distractions.
- What role does procrastination play in “The Complaint: or Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality”?
- Procrastination is a central theme in “The Complaint: or Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality,” where Edward Young critiques it as humanity’s greatest folly. He famously states, “Procrastination is the thief of time,” encapsulating its destructive impact. The poem illustrates how delays in meaningful action lead to wasted lives and unfulfilled potential. Young portrays procrastination as a barrier to wisdom, as seen in, “Next day the fatal precedent will plead; / Thus on, till wisdom is pushed out of life.” This critique emphasizes the need for immediate and decisive action to avoid the regrets associated with postponement.
- How does “The Complaint: or Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality” portray the human tendency toward self-deception?
- In “The Complaint: or Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality,” Edward Young examines human self-deception through the illusions people create about their lives and futures. He critiques this tendency in the line, “How excellent that life they ne’er will lead?” which mocks humanity’s habit of imagining grand futures while neglecting the present. Similarly, “All pay themselves the compliment to think / They, one day, shall not drivel,” reveals the ironic pride individuals feel about a hypothetical version of themselves that never materializes. Young portrays this self-deception as both a moral and existential failure, urging readers to confront the truth of their mortality.
- What is the significance of wisdom and reflection in “The Complaint: or Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality”?
- Wisdom and reflection are central to the moral philosophy of “The Complaint: or Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality,” as Edward Young underscores the importance of self-awareness and timely action. He advises, “Be wise today, ’tis madness to defer,” stressing that wisdom lies in recognizing and acting upon life’s impermanence. Reflection is further emphasized in lines like, “At thirty man suspects himself a fool; / Knows it at forty, and reforms his plan.” Here, Young suggests that maturity brings the realization of past mistakes, yet acting on that awareness is crucial. The poem advocates for deliberate reflection as a means to align earthly life with eternal consequences.
Literary Works Similar to “The Complaint: or Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality” by Edward Young
- “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard” by Thomas Gray
Similarity: Both poems reflect on mortality, the inevitability of death, and the fleeting nature of human achievements, with a contemplative and somber tone. - “The Grave” by Robert Blair
Similarity: Like Edward Young’s poem, this work delves into themes of death and the afterlife, encouraging readers to reflect on their spiritual preparedness. - “The Divine Comedy” by Dante Alighieri (Inferno and Purgatorio sections)
Similarity: Though a narrative poem, its meditations on the soul’s journey, morality, and eternal consequences echo Young’s exploration of life, death, and immortality. - “Thanatopsis” by William Cullen Bryant
Similarity: Both poems explore the natural cycle of life and death, urging readers to confront mortality with dignity and a sense of connection to the eternal. - “The Vanity of Human Wishes” by Samuel Johnson
Similarity: Like Young’s poem, this work critiques human ambition and folly, emphasizing the transient nature of worldly pursuits and the importance of spiritual wisdom.
Representative Quotations of “The Complaint: or Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality” by Edward Young
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “Procrastination is the thief of time.” | Warns against delaying important decisions, emphasizing the loss caused by procrastination. | Moral Criticism: Highlights the ethical implications of wasting time and missing opportunities for growth. |
| “Be wise today, ’tis madness to defer.” | Urges immediate action and reflection on the present moment. | Existentialism: Stresses the importance of personal responsibility and acting in the present. |
| “Where is tomorrow? In another world.” | Reflects on the uncertainty of the future and the inevitability of death. | Metaphysical: Examines the transient nature of time and human existence. |
| “All men are about to live, for ever on the brink of being born.” | Critiques humanity’s tendency to postpone meaningful action and live in imagined futures. | Psychoanalytic Theory: Highlights self-deception and the human psyche’s evasion of the present. |
| “Of human ills the last extreme beware.” | Warns Lorenzo about the inevitability of death as life’s ultimate challenge. | Christian Humanism: Links death to spiritual accountability and moral preparedness. |
| “How excellent that life they ne’er will lead?” | Mocks people’s pride in idealized futures that they never achieve. | Irony and Vanity: Reflects on human arrogance and procrastination in ethical and existential terms. |
| “Thus on, till wisdom is pushed out of life.” | Shows how habitual procrastination erodes opportunities for meaningful living. | Moral Criticism: Highlights the dangers of neglecting wisdom and responsibility. |
| “Pushes his prudent purpose to resolve; / Resolves, and re-resolves: then dies the same.” | Critiques human indecision and failure to act despite good intentions. | Psychoanalytic Theory: Explores the subconscious patterns of indecision and unfulfilled resolutions. |
| “The vast concerns of an eternal scene.” | Highlights the eternal implications of mortal actions, urging spiritual preparation. | Christian Humanism: Focuses on the alignment of earthly life with eternal consequences. |
| “At thirty man suspects himself a fool; / Knows it at forty, and reforms his plan.” | Examines the progression of self-awareness and regret across life stages. | Moral and Existential Criticism: Reflects on maturity, self-awareness, and the importance of timely action. |
Suggested Readings: “The Complaint: or Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality” by Edward Young
- HELMSTADTER, THOMAS H. “Blake’s Night Thoughts : Interpretations of Edward Young.” Texas Studies in Literature and Language, vol. 12, no. 1, 1970, pp. 27–54. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/40754080. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
- Ripley, Wayne C. “‘An Age More Curious, Than Devout’: The Counter-Enlightenment Edward Young.” Eighteenth-Century Studies, vol. 49, no. 4, 2016, pp. 507–29. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/43956551. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
- James King. The Modern Language Review, vol. 86, no. 1, 1991, pp. 173–173. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3732117. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
- Pollin, Burton R. “The Contribution of Young’s ‘Night Thoughts’ to Poe’s Tale, ‘The Premature Burial.'” PSA Newsletter, vol. 26, no. 1, 1998, pp. 1–2. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/43900128. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.