E. Housman's Poem 'To An Athlete Dying Young'

“To an Athlete Dying young”

In the poem “To an Athlete Dying Young” by A.E. Housman pg. 682 the author is very complex in telling the celebration of the runner winning the race. But drops simple hints in certain areas of the poem to make clear to the reader of what the poem is about. So the writer strategically places simple and complex details in the poem.

The writer put complex details into the story to keep the reader on their toes and thinking about the words that they are reading. A good example of the complex detail would be “from fields where glory does not stay” pg. 682 . Where Housman explains that Glory is something that just last a little while and that will wear off sooner or later. Glory is such a powerful word itself it is like a word and a picture in one such as 2 Corinthians 3:10 “And neither was it glorified

The first example would be “The time you won your town race” pg.682. Which sets the scene for the readers, which is that a runner just won a race in the town. A very touching example of simple is “Man and boy stood cheering by” pg.682. The poem does not suggests that the man and boy are related. But the reader could believe that is father and son celebrating the runners victory. The last example would be “ Shoulder-high we bring you home” pg.682. This line in the poem describes what is going on in the poem and also gives use more information on the runner. “Shoulder-high” suggest that the people are giving the “Glory” to the runner by placing him higher than themselves. “we bring you home” tells use that the runner is in his home town.

Now the poem has inferred to both a complex and simple layout. But one example that has stood out the most showing the characteristics of the complex and simple such as” Of lads that wore their honor out”. Which shows use that boasting about achievements will annoy the people who give praise to that achievement , and that fire will burn