Analysis Of A. E. Housman's To An Athlete Dying Young

The poem “To an Athlete Dying Young” by A. E. Housman talks to the winners of important events that get them fame or glory. In the poem, it says “The time you won your town the race. We *chaired you through the marketplace; Man and boy stood cheering by, And home we chaired you shoulder-high.” (Housman). In this quote, you is referring to the winner of the race, and this is apparent when it says “The time you won your town the race.” (Housman). In this poem, the winner of the race is not only the winner but also is receiving fame and glory for winning the race for their town. This is understood when the poem reads “We chaired you through the marketplace; Man and boy cheering by, And home we chaired you shoulder-high.” (Housman). This creates imagery of men and boys putting the winner up on top of their shoulders, and the carrying him victoriously through the

Housman is completely correct. An athlete must never get caught up in a victory. “.. And early though the *laurel grows It withers quicker than a rose.” (Housman). This signifies how the fame and glory come quickly, but it will also fade quickly. This gives athletes the idea that you may obtain glory and fame, but that glory and fame will disappear as quickly as they got it. “Now you will not swell the *rout of lads that wore their honors out, Runners whom renown outran and the name died before man.” (Housman). Housman goes on to say that there have been many men who have worn their glory out, and they lose to those who are truly dedicated to getting better. Housman talks about people losing glory before when he says “You will not swell the rout of lads that wore their honors out...” (Housman) Housman says you will not increase the crowd of people that abused their glory and fame. Housman warns the reader that there is a large group that has used their glory and fame and just gave up; he says though that that is not the right way to approach glory and