The poem is titled a psalm “of life.” If you are familiar with the psalms in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible, you know they are titled by numbers, and sometimes by author. For example, Psalm 23 is a psalm “of David,” indicating that King David is the author. Holman’s A Handbook to Literature says a psalm is “a lyrical composition of praise.” So Longfellow’s poem is either written by life or it is a lyrical composition in praise of life. Perhaps it is both: informed by Longfellow’s life experiences and written in praise of life.
Longfellow inscribes a philosophy of life throughout his poem. Identify one belief that Longfellow’s speaker has about life. Then explain whether or not you agree with that belief. Then explain. For example, if you agree that we should “Be a hero in the strife!” (20), how is one a hero in life? Few of us are faced with moments of physical heroism. Short of training to be firefighters, how can we be heroes?
Your response needs to identify the line you are discussing and be around 75-100 words. You have a midterm due this week.
