1. “We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of
doing, while others judge us by what we have
already done” (self-reliance and emphasis on the
individual)
2. • Inspired by American history, lore and
landscape. What inspires you to achieve?
3. • What gives life purpose? What is it that gives
your life value or meaning?
– self-expression, creativity, following a dream,
serving humanity
4. • Think of a person you know or have read
about who has led a life you truly admire.
How has this person made a difference in the
world? Describe his or her impact on family,
community, or country.
5. • Sublime: in literature, things in nature or art that
affect the mind with a sense of overwhelming
grandeur and power; awe-inspiring; worthy of
adoration and reverence; high intellectual or
moral value. Generally, makes the speaker feel
small in comparison. (ex. the Grand Canyon,
Rocky Mountains, the ocean)
6. • Psalm: a biblical poem that generally comments
on the fleeting nature of life. It is meant to
celebrate God and the afterlife. The speaker in
this poem argues against life being “an empty
dream” and urges individuals to live life with
purpose and focus on goals.
7. Stanza Summary
1. Life is not a dream - a
dreaming soul is dead, the
soul needs to engage in life.
2. Life is real - death is not the
goal of life; the soul does not
return to dust (just the body)
8. Summary cont.
3. The purpose of life is not sorrow or joy, but
being a better person each day; action.
4. “Art is long” - poetry lives forever, even
though time flies. Human hearts are aware of
death coming.
9. Summary cont.
5. In the battle of life - don’t be a follower, be a
leader!
6. Don’t look to the future or get stuck in the
past; live and act in the present.
10. Summary cont.
7. Take great men as your example -
leave a legacy, make a difference.
8. Your actions might inspire a lost
soul to do great things in the
future.
9. Labor and wait; always active in
your life.
11. • What thoughts have you sometimes had about
the purpose of life? How similar is your view to
the speaker’s view? Do you live life to the fullest?
12.
13. • -Look at the painting on pg. 337 and it’s title,
“The Calm After the Storm.” How does the
title of the painting connect with the theme in
the poem?
– poem urges readers to deal heroically with
“storms” or difficulties and thus experience “calm”,
or a sublime life. Also, references the shipwreck in
lines 29-32
