Introduction
The poem entitled “What Is to Come We Know Not” by Ernest Henley is one of the most life-asserting works in literature. Indeed, in his poem, the author portrays his gratitude for whatever good moments he had and at the same time conveys his bravery to face whatever life has in store for him. The literary means used in the poem serve to instill people with courage and strength.
Discussion
The poem consists of three stances that set the rhythm of the verses. The first stanza masterfully describes the joys that have passed and the feelings they brought forth (Fadzillah). The author uses the words “good”, “better”, and “the best” not only to convey his satisfaction with the past events but also to show his gratitude to fate for what he had in life (Henley). Though this stanza describes positive events, it bears a slightly melancholic character since the author repeatedly underlines that the good moments have already passed. To convey this message, Henley uses enumeration, saying “We have lived, we have loved, we have suffered … even so”.
In the second stanza, the author draws a line of demarcation between past happy days and future events, which he sees in a gloomy and foreboding light. This idea is well portrayed by the choice of lexis Henley uses. Thus, to show the contrast between past joy and future sorrow, the author uses the antonyms “friend” and “foe”. At the same time, the mood this stanza sets is a melancholic one: Henley does not call on people to fight against future gloom but suggests that they should not care about it as they already had their happy days. This idea contradicts the third stanza of the poem where Henley calls on people to be brave enough to fight whatever comes.
The third stanza unites the first two parts of the poem. Indeed, in it, the author reconciles the past happy days with the misfortunes to come and, once again, says people should not repent against fate as they had their good days. At the same time, there is a call for struggle, conveyed by such expressions as “we can dare” and “we can conquer” (Henley). Thus, Henley asserts that people must be ready to face whatever is in store for them without complaints and at the same time, to fight evil when they see it. To make the portrayal of the coming misfortunes more vivid, the author uses colorful similes. He compares the coming troubles with “the great winds’ worst and wildest blow” and “melting snow”. The mood set in the third stanza is more belligerent with Harley asserting his conviction to act.
The poem “What is to come we know not” by William Ernest Henley explores the topic of human joys and suffering of which every life consists. Indeed, it is hardly possible to find a person who has had only good or bad moments in life. The poem is presented from the viewpoint of a man who expects to have hard times but looks bravely in the face of the inevitable. The author teaches people to be grateful for the joys they experienced and not to grumble about the hard times that may be in store for them. The poetry exudes bravery, endurance, and strength.
Conclusion
In his poem, Henley employs literary devices such as imagery, simile, and metaphor to strengthen the poem’s theme and ensure it brings its message home to the reader. These literary devices make the poem more impactful so that people who are going through difficult periods in their lives may identify themselves with the main character of the poem. Those who struggle with gloomy aspects of their lives, like depression, might gain by reflecting on this poem. Whatever path they choose, that of obedience or a fight, the author reminds them that they always have their happy memories to rely on in a gloomy hour.
Work Cited
Fadzillah, Untsa Rohmah, et al. “Semantic analysis of literary works in selected song lyrics and poems at English textbooks for grade XI of senior high schools.” BAHASTRA 42, 2022, pp. 45-57.
Henley, William Ernest. “What is to come we know not”. Web.