“English” Notes Chapter 4.1 What is Success ? Class 9 Maharashtra Board

Introduction to the Poem

• The poem “What is Success?” is written by Ralph Waldo Emerson, a famous American poet and philosopher.
• It defines true success as more than just money, power, or fame.
• According to the poet, success is about earning respect, helping others, and making the world a better place.
• The poem inspires people to focus on kindness, love, and positive contributions to society.

Summary of the Poem

1. Success is Winning Respect and Love

• A successful person earns the respect of intelligent people.
• They win the love of children, whose affection is pure and genuine.
• They are appreciated by honest critics and can handle betrayal from false friends.
• This shows that success is about relationships, not just achievements.

2. Success is Appreciating Beauty and Goodness

• A truly successful person finds beauty in the world and appreciates the goodness in others.
• They take time to enjoy life and focus on positive things.
• This means that happiness and contentment are important parts of success.

3. Success is Making the World a Better Place

• A successful person leaves the world a little better than before.
• This can be done by:
  • Raising a healthy and happy child.
  • Planting a beautiful garden.
  • Helping and improving the lives of others.
• Even small actions can make a big difference in society.

4. Success is Helping Others

• If a person has helped even one person live a better life, they have succeeded.
• Success is about making a difference, no matter how small.
• The poet believes that helping others brings more happiness than material success.

Themes of the Poem

1. Success is More Than Wealth and Power

• True success is not about being rich or famous.
• A successful person is someone who is respected and loved.

2. The Power of Kindness and Goodness

• Success comes from helping others and spreading kindness.
• Even small good deeds can have a big impact.

3. Finding Beauty and Joy in Life

• A successful person notices and enjoys the beauty in nature and people.
• They focus on happiness, positivity, and making life meaningful.

4. Making the World a Better Place

• Success is about leaving a positive mark on the world.
• Raising a child, planting trees, or doing good for society are all forms of success.

Poetic Devices Used in the Poem

1. Metaphor (Indirect Comparisons)

• The poet compares success to qualities like kindness, respect, and appreciation.
• Example: “Leaving the world a bit better” – compares success to improving the world.

2. Imagery (Creating Pictures in the Reader’s Mind)

• The poet uses words that create a beautiful picture of success.
• Example: “A child’s love, a garden blooming, a world made better.”

3. Rhyme and Rhythm

• The poem does not follow a strict rhyme scheme, but it has a smooth and meaningful flow.
• The poet uses simple and clear language to explain the meaning of success.

Important Messages from the Poem

1. True success is not measured by wealth but by respect, love, and kindness.
2. Helping even one person live a better life is a great achievement.
3. Appreciating beauty, kindness, and goodness makes life meaningful.
4. Making the world a better place, even in small ways, is true success.
5. Success is about how much happiness and positivity you bring to others.

Moral of the Poem

• The poem teaches us that real success is not about fame or fortune.
• Success means being kind, helping others, and making a difference in the world.
• It reminds us that even small good deeds can have a big impact.