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WORLD VIEW SYMBOLISM

Q: What is the meaning of the "Psalm of Life"?

A: "A Psalm of Life" is a poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Its subtitle reads "What the heart of the young man
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said to the psalmist." It is the poet's response to blind faith in religion, especially Christianity. CONTINUE READING

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What is the meaning of Psalm 91?

What is the primary theme in "Psalm of Life"?
What is a good snowflake poem?

FULL ANSWER

"A Psalm of Life" tells the reader in many different ways to live life to the fullest. Longfellow writes that, "The grave is not the
goal," supporting the carpe diem theme of the poem. The speaker also says, "Trust no Future, howe'er pleasant!" and "Act,
act in the living present!"

"A Psalm" also seems to be a response to how people are told to live according to religion, mainly Christianity. The subtitle,
"What the heart of the young man said to the psalmist," indicates the poem is a response to Christian doctrine. The speaker
says, "Be not like dumb, driven cattle!" Here he seems to be referring to those who follow the Christian religion and assume
what they are fed through religious text is true. Longfellow's young speaker completely shirks Christian belief, even going so
far as to say, "For the soul is dead that slumbers." This suggests the young man believes that the afterlife doesn't exist as
suggested by Christianity. If the afterlife doesn't exist, then we must live for our time on Earth and for the present.
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Sources: humanities360.com poetryfoundation.org beamingnotes.com enotes.com poemhunter.com

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Q: What is an example of trochaic meter?

A: The poem "The Song of Hiawatha" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow showcases many good examples of trochaic
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Q: What are some positive inspirational poems?

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 Q: What is the meaning of the poem "One Solitary Life"?

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Q: What is the essence of Psalm 23?

A: The essence of Psalm 23 is to trust in God to lead the way, even through life's trying times. Psalm 23 brings comfort
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