Mid-Range Analysis
Elliot Wheeler Wilcox
This poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox is based on the concept of constant perseverance no matter what problems one may encounter in life. Embodying great optimism, this poem presents its theme through literary devices such as alliteration, rhythm, and symbolism.
One such example of enduring optimism in Wilcox’s poem is in the second stanza, in which she writes “brace up your mind/And say ‘Something better is coming my way’” (Lines 8-9). Presenting a problem conflicting with the reader’s goals, Wilcox commands the reader to “brace up” their mind. Using the word “brace” implies setting a stronger support system for the mind, something that would allow one to persevere through the hardest of troubles. In the second line of that quote, Wilcox tells the reader to assert self-confidence and optimism for the future. One noticeable fact is that Wilcox does not direct the phrase at any person but rather oneself. This helps strengthen Wilcox’s correlation between success and the individual. In other words, to succeed, one’s self-confidence and optimism must not fail. The burden of perseverance is on the individual and no one else.
Meanwhile, Wilcox uses a variety of literary devices and symbols in her poem. For example, in the third stanza, Wilcox uses symbolizes life’s difficulties through what she calls “the drink bitter” that “life pours in your cup”(Line 11). By symbolizing such problems with a metaphor, Wilcox adds depth and imagery to the poem. Without outright declaring what it represents, Wilcox allows the reader to imagine the problems and issues that life pours into the reader’s own “cup”. Other times, Wilcox employs alliteration to great effect with phrases such as “Is the heart heavy?” and “Is the work weary? (Lines 16, 6). This alliteration between the adjective and the noun strengthens the correlation between the two. The symbol of the “heart” is often used to imply spirit and feelings, something very critical the human essence. Describing such a vital part of the soul as “heavy” is a very powerful image, especially with the alliteration. Indeed, such literary devices are a critical part of Wilcox’s poems and provide unusual depth to deceptively simple writing.
-Robert Chun
Picture Source
One such example of enduring optimism in Wilcox’s poem is in the second stanza, in which she writes “brace up your mind/And say ‘Something better is coming my way’” (Lines 8-9). Presenting a problem conflicting with the reader’s goals, Wilcox commands the reader to “brace up” their mind. Using the word “brace” implies setting a stronger support system for the mind, something that would allow one to persevere through the hardest of troubles. In the second line of that quote, Wilcox tells the reader to assert self-confidence and optimism for the future. One noticeable fact is that Wilcox does not direct the phrase at any person but rather oneself. This helps strengthen Wilcox’s correlation between success and the individual. In other words, to succeed, one’s self-confidence and optimism must not fail. The burden of perseverance is on the individual and no one else.
Meanwhile, Wilcox uses a variety of literary devices and symbols in her poem. For example, in the third stanza, Wilcox uses symbolizes life’s difficulties through what she calls “the drink bitter” that “life pours in your cup”(Line 11). By symbolizing such problems with a metaphor, Wilcox adds depth and imagery to the poem. Without outright declaring what it represents, Wilcox allows the reader to imagine the problems and issues that life pours into the reader’s own “cup”. Other times, Wilcox employs alliteration to great effect with phrases such as “Is the heart heavy?” and “Is the work weary? (Lines 16, 6). This alliteration between the adjective and the noun strengthens the correlation between the two. The symbol of the “heart” is often used to imply spirit and feelings, something very critical the human essence. Describing such a vital part of the soul as “heavy” is a very powerful image, especially with the alliteration. Indeed, such literary devices are a critical part of Wilcox’s poems and provide unusual depth to deceptively simple writing.
-Robert Chun
Picture Source
