The poem, "To an Athlete Dying Young" by Housman was a very powerful poem to me. The poem to me depicts a hero that becomes more than a hero, he becomes a legend.
Verses 9 and 10:
Smart lad, to slip betimes away
From fields where glory does not stay
These verses to me depict the way he became a legend. He died an early death while still in his prime which allowed him to rise up to legendary status. If he were to die at an old age long after his victory he would probably have been forgotten. But because he died in his prime, people will remember him as a winner and hero, giving him legendary status with the likes of Elvis Presley, James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Lou Gehrig...etc. There are probably hundreds of people we could name who died while in the height of their prime bringing them to legendary status, so I feel this poem is right on with its meaning!
That segment of the poem also spoke to me. I felt that this particular part was written to serve as a reminder that fame and glory does not last forever, but soon fades into the background. This poem did a good job at articulating what is important to remember when thinking about fame. Good points, Brian.
ReplyDeleteI got that sense as well, that because he died at a prime time in his life where he was at an all time high of success, it made him legendary. It reminded me of other athletes who had died in their prime who are now viewed as legends like Dale Earnhardt, Hank gathers, and Reggie lewis. It is sad that things like this happen to such great people.
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