Introduction to William Ralph Emerson
William Ralph Emerson (1833-1917) was an American architect and the second cousin of Ralph Waldo Emerson, one of America's most famous poets and essayists. William Ralph Emerson was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and studied architecture at Harvard University. He worked as an architect in Boston for many years, and he designed several of the first buildings for the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. He died in Milton, Massachusetts, in 1917.
Summary of "A Nation's Strength"
In the poem "A Nation's Strength," William Ralph Emerson asks what makes a nation great and strong. He dismisses the traditional notions that gold, the sword, or pride are the keys to national greatness. Instead, he argues that it is the people of a nation who make it great and strong. He writes:
"Not gold but only men can make
A people great and strong;
Men who for truth and honor's sake
Stand fast and suffer long."
Emerson goes on to describe the qualities of the men who make a nation great. These are men who are brave, hardworking, and dedicated to truth and honor. They are men who are willing to stand up for what they believe in, even when it is difficult. They are men who are willing to sacrifice their own comfort and well-being for the good of their country.
Analysis of "A Nation's Strength"
The poem "A Nation's Strength" is a powerful reminder that the true strength of a nation lies in its people. A nation can have all the gold and power in the world, but if its people are not strong and virtuous, it will not last. Emerson's poem is a call to action for all of us to live our lives in a way that makes our nation stronger.
Thematic Elements
The poem "A Nation's Strength" explores the themes of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice. Emerson argues that the true strength of a nation lies in its people, and that it is the people who make a nation great and strong. He calls on all of us to live our lives in a way that makes our nation stronger.
Style
The poem "A Nation's Strength" is written in a simple and direct style. Emerson uses clear and concise language to communicate his message. The poem is also very rhythmic, which helps to create a sense of power and strength. The poem is a six-stanza poem, each stanza having four lines. The poem follows the rhyme scheme abab, which is also called alternate rhyme. In the following example, the first line rhymes with the third while the second line rhymes with the fourth.
What makes a nation's pillars high
And its foundations strong?
What makes it mighty to defy
The foes that round it throng?
Conclusion
"A Nation's Strength" is a powerful and inspiring poem that reminds us of the importance of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice. It is a poem that is sure to resonate with anyone who cares about the future of their country.
Text
What makes a nation's pillars high
And its foundations strong?
What makes it mighty to defy
The foes that round it throng?
It is not gold. Its kingdoms grand
Go down in battle shock;
Its shafts are laid on sinking sand,
Not on abiding rock.
Is it the sword? Ask the red dust
Of empires passed away;
The blood has turned their stones to rust,
Their glory to decay.
And is it pride? Ah, that bright crown
Has seemed to nations sweet;
But God has struck its luster down
In ashes at his feet.
Not gold but only men can make
A people great and strong;
Men who for truth and honor's sake
Stand fast and suffer long.
Brave men who work while others sleep,
Who dare while others fly...
They build a nation's pillars deep
And lift them to the sky.
"A Nation's Strength" first appeared in Our Little Kings and Queens at Home and at School (Louis Benham & Co., 1891). This poem is in the public domain.
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