2.4
Have You Earned Your Tomorrow
1.
About the poet - Edgar Guest (On August 20, 1881 to
1959) was born in England and was brought to the United States when he was ten
years old. He began his writing career in 1895 at the age of fourteen. Edgar
Guest is known as ‘people’s poet’ for his simple style and optimistic tone of
writing. Guest is an American writer of newspaper and magazines.
2.
About the title - The title Have you Earned your
Tomorrow is very introspective. It suggests that everyone should analyse
his/her actions whether it is good or bad, useful or not. It also evaluates
your act of goodness, your behaviours with others and what have you done (good
things) to earn your better tomorrow? The title also promotes - do good deeds
for better future (Tomorrow means feature) and world. So title is apt.
3.
About the Poem and Theme - It is an inspirational
poem. In this poem, the speaker is asking the readers (You) whether they have
done anything to improve the life of another human being or not. It is up to
you whether you will have a better future or not. Therefore, one should
consider one’s actions and deeds carefully and plan accordingly for a better
future.
4.
Poetic devices, language, style – The poem is the best
example of a simple uplifting style of writing pieace. It is a four verse poem
that is divided into sets of 4 lines (quatrains). The rhyme scheme pattern of
the stanza is - aabb ccaa ddee ffaa. In each stanza sound - /ay/ is repeated
except third. The poetic devices like Interrogation, Alliteration, Inversion,
Antithesis, Personification, and Synecdoche is used in the poem. The poet uses
Interrogative style to elaborate his idea of goodness.
5.
Special features-tone and type - The poem is written
in Interrogative tone– where a number of probing questions to a reader about
how they spend their days. The wording of the poem is in the form of searching
questions. Each stanza includes 2 to 3 questions. This special feature of
Poetry Written in Questions leaves deep impact on the readers mind and it
compel to think them on it. The tone of the poem is suggestive that at the last
of day you have to earn your tomorrow with good deeds which is your duty.
6.
Values, message – The present poem gives a great
message of good deeds. One should consider one’s actions and deeds carefully
and plan accordingly for a better future. In this world you have to earn your
tomorrow with your good actions.
7.
Your opinion about the poem – I like this poem
very much because it gives an inspiration to be a good human being. It gives me
positive attitude of act well. It is very inspirational poem. It gives me
message like - ‘How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good
deed in a weary world.' So I like this poem.
Ice Breakers
1) Complete the following web
:
Different ways to help others –
Ans. i) Care for the elderly
ii) Help our friend or relative
iii) Provide the financial help
iv) To give company to lonely persons.
v) To do household chores
vi) To take part in tree plantation
vii) To help the blind persons to cross the road
2) Discuss with your partner about the different idioms/proverbs related to word ‘tomorrow’.
Ans. i) Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
ii) Tomorrow never comes.
iii) The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.
iv) Fools look to tomorrow; wise men use tonight.
v) Today Must not borrow from tomorrow.
3) When you make your future plans you think of :
Ans. i) Career
ii) Expectations of the family members
iii) Job opportunities
iv) Social status
v) Financial condition
vi) Chances for development
vii) Learning
viii) Success in the plan
4) ‘Plan your tomorrow’ by completing the table given below.
|
Examination |
College Function |
Function at your home |
|
Preparing a time table |
Preparing the list of duties |
Cleaning the house |
|
Making a list of all important questions |
Finalising the budget of the function |
Give invitations to guests |
|
Revision |
Confirm date and time |
Help to family members |
Figures of speech:
1) Is anybody happier because you passed his way?
Interrogation – A question is asked for emphasis.
Alliteration – The sound of letter of letter ‘h’ is repeated.
2) Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?
Interrogation – A question is asked for emphasis.
Alliteration – The sound of letter ‘t’ is repeated.
3) This day is almost over, and its toiling time is through.
Alliteration – The sound of letter ‘t’ is repeated.
4) Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?
Interrogation – A question is asked for emphasis.
Inversion – The word order is changed.
5) Did you give a cheerful greeting to the friend who came along?
Interrogation – A question is asked for emphasis.
Alliteration – The sound of letter ‘g’ is repeated.
6) Or a churlish sort of “Howdy" and then vanish in the throng?
Interrogation – A question is asked for emphasis.
7) Were you selfish pure and simple as you rushed along the way.
Alliteration – The sound of letters ‘s’ and ‘w’ are repeated.
Oxymoron – ‘Selfish pure’ opposite words are placed together.
Paradox –‘selfish pure and simple’ the expression seems meaningless.
8) Or is someone mighty grateful for a deed you did today?
Alliteration – The sound of letter ‘d’ repeated.
Interrogation – A question is asked for emphasis..
9) Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said.
Alliteration – The sound of letter ‘s’ repeated.
Synecdoche – The part (heart) refers to a whole (a person).
10) Does a man whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead?
Interrogation – A question is asked for emphasis.
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