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
- True success is not measured by wealth but by respect, love, and kindness.
- Helping even one person live a better life is a great achievement.
- Appreciating beauty, kindness, and goodness makes life meaningful.
- Making the world a better place, even in small ways, is true success.
- 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.
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