Say Not the Struggle Naught Availeth Poem Analysis
Perseverance and Hope: Analyzing "Say Not the Struggle Naught Availeth"Introduction
"Say Not the Struggle Naught Availeth" is a poem by the English poet Arthur Hugh Clough, written in the mid-19th century. The poem is an ode to perseverance, encouraging the reader to maintain hope and continue their efforts, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. In this article, we will examine the poem's structure, themes, and imagery, providing insight into Clough's message of hope and the importance of steadfast determination.
Structure and Form
"Say Not the Struggle Naught Availeth" is composed of four stanzas, each containing eight lines. The poem employs an ABABCDCD rhyme scheme and is written in iambic pentameter, giving it a sense of structure and stability. The poem's regular meter and rhyme scheme lend it an air of authority and assurance, underscoring the poem's message of hope and perseverance.
Themes
The power of perseverance: One of the central themes of "Say Not the Struggle Naught Availeth" is the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. The poem encourages the reader to maintain hope and continue their efforts, even when the outcome appears uncertain or bleak. Clough's message of perseverance is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the potential for individuals to overcome obstacles through determination and resilience.
The inevitability of change: The poem also explores the theme of change and the passage of time. Clough uses imagery of natural processes, such as the movement of the tides and the gradual passage of day into night, to illustrate the inevitability of change and the potential for progress even in the most challenging circumstances. This theme serves as a reminder of the constant potential for growth and improvement, even in the face of adversity.
Imagery
Clough employs vivid and evocative imagery throughout "Say Not the Struggle Naught Availeth" to convey the poem's themes of perseverance and hope. The poet's descriptions of the changing tides and the gradual shift from darkness to light serve to illustrate the natural processes of change and the potential for progress that exists even in the most challenging circumstances.
For example, the lines "And not by eastern windows only, / When daylight comes, comes in the light" emphasize that change and progress are not confined to one specific location or direction, but rather encompass the entire world. This imagery underscores the poem's message of hope and the importance of maintaining faith in the potential for improvement.
The poem also utilizes military imagery to convey the sense of struggle and the need for perseverance. Clough's reference to "the flag which, mastered, / From her fortress flutters free" is a metaphor for overcoming obstacles and achieving victory, reinforcing the poem's message of steadfast determination in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
"Say Not the Struggle Naught Availeth" is a powerful and inspiring poem that encourages readers to maintain hope and perseverance, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Arthur Hugh Clough's masterful use of imagery, structure, and form serves to convey the poem's themes of change, progress, and the power of determination. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the potential for individuals to overcome adversity through steadfast resilience and unwavering hope.