10th English - Unit 1: Life (Poem)
About the Author
Author: Henry Van Dyke (1852–1933).
Background: An American author, educator, and clergyman.
Poetic Style: He is known for his optimistic outlook and inspirational poems.
Poem Summary (Study Materials)
Living in the Present: The poet wants to live his life "from year to year" with a forward face and an unreluctant (willing) soul.
No Regrets: He does not want to hurry toward his goal or turn away from it. He refuses to mourn for the things that disappear in the "dim past."
Positive Outlook: Instead of fearing what the future holds (veils), he chooses to live with a happy heart that pays its toll to both youth and age.
The Journey of Life: The poet views life as an adventure. Whether the path goes up or down the hill, he wants to travel with joy.
Seeking New Things: Just like a boy, he continues to seek "new friendship, high adventure, and a crown" (fame or success).
Optimism: He concludes by saying that his heart will keep the courage of the quest and hopes that the last turn of the road (old age/end of life) will be the best.
Book Back: Figures of Speech & Literary Devices
Rhyme Scheme: The poem follows the structure of an Italian Sonnet (14 lines).
Octave (first 8 lines): abba abba.
Sestet (last 6 lines): cddece.
Couplet: A stanza consisting of two successive lines of verse.
Personification: "happy heart that pays its toll" (Heart is given human qualities).
Contrast: "youth and age," "rough or smooth," "up or down the hill."
Metaphor: "last turn of the road" (Metaphor for the end of life or old age).
Book Back Questions & Answers
I. Read the following lines from the poem and answer the questions.
1. "Let me but live my life from year to year, With forward face and unreluctant soul;"
a) Whom does the word ‘me’ refer to?
Answer: ‘Me’ refers to the poet, Henry Van Dyke.
b) What kind of life does the poet want to lead?
Answer: The poet wants to lead an optimistic life with a willing mind and a goal-oriented forward-looking face.
2. "Not hurrying to, nor turning from the goal; Not mourning for the things that disappear"
a) Why do you think the poet is not hurrying?
Answer: The poet wants to live his life fully and experience the journey rather than just rushing to the end.
b) What should one not mourn for?
Answer: One should not mourn for the things lost in the past.
3. "In the dim past, nor holding back in fear From what the future veils; but with a whole And happy heart, that pays its toll To Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer."
a) What does the poet mean by the phrase ‘youth and age’?
Answer: It refers to the different stages of human life, from being young to becoming old.
b) How can one travel on with cheer?
Answer: One can travel with cheer by having a happy heart and a positive attitude toward every experience.
4. "So let the way wind up the hill or down, O’er rough or smooth, the journey will be joy:"
a) How is the way of life?
Answer: The way of life can be difficult (up the hill/rough) or easy (down the hill/smooth).
b) How should be the journey of life?
Answer: The journey of life should be full of joy.
II. Answer the following question in about 80-100 words.
1. Describe the journey of life as depicted in the poem by Henry Van Dyke. Answer: In the poem "Life," Henry Van Dyke describes life as a continuous journey that should be lived with courage and optimism. He emphasizes living in the present with a "forward face" and a "willing soul." He advises readers not to regret the past or fear the hidden future. According to the poet, life is an adventure. Whether the path is difficult or easy, the journey should be joyful. He believes in maintaining a childlike curiosity to seek new friendships and high adventures. Ultimately, he encourages everyone to keep the "courage of the quest" and believe that the best is yet to come at the end of the road.
Key Vocabulary (Glossary)
Unreluctant: Willing to do something.
Mourning: Feeling or expressing great sadness.
Veils: To hide or cover.
Toll: A fee or price (here used figuratively for experiences).
Quest: A long and arduous search for something.
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