'What Man May Learn, What Man May Do' by Robert Louis Stevenson
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WHAT man may learn, what man may do,
Of right or wrong of false or true,
While, skipper-like, his course he steers
Through nine and twenty mingled years,
Half misconceived and half forgot,
So much I know and practise not.
Old are the words of wisdom, old
The counsels of the wise and bold:
To close the ears, to check the tongue,
To keep the pining spirit young;
To act the right, to say the true,
And to be kind whate'er you do.
Thus we across the modern stage
Follow the wise of every age;
And, as oaks grow and rivers run
Unchanged in the unchanging sun,
So the eternal march of man
Goes forth on an eternal plan.
Editor 1 Interpretation
What Man May Learn, What Man May Do: A Literary Criticism
Robert Louis Stevenson is one of the most renowned authors in the history of literature. His works have stood the test of time and continue to inspire and captivate readers to this very day. "What Man May Learn, What Man May Do" is a beautiful poem written by Stevenson that reflects his wisdom and insight into the human condition. In this literary criticism, we will delve into the poem's structure, themes, and imagery to understand its deeper meanings and implications.
Structure and Form
The structure of "What Man May Learn, What Man May Do" is simple and straightforward. It is composed of four stanzas of four lines each, with a regular rhyme scheme (ABAB). This simple structure enables the poem to flow smoothly and rhythmically, making it easy to read and understand. The poem's form is also indicative of its message – that life is a journey that requires a steady and consistent effort to learn and grow.
Themes
The poem's central theme is the importance of learning and self-improvement. Stevenson emphasizes that there is always something to be learned and that one must constantly strive to improve oneself. He says, "To each his share of pain and fear, / And each man has his private cheer; / But leave the rest to God above, / And learn to live, and learn to love." Here, he acknowledges that life is not without its challenges but encourages his readers to focus on what they can control – their own learning and growth.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the importance of perseverance. Stevenson recognizes that learning and self-improvement are not easy tasks and that they require persistence and determination. He says, "No beast so fierce but knows some touch / Of pity, but I know no such; / And when I look into the face / Of one who lessens for a space." Here, he suggests that even the most ferocious creatures have the capacity for empathy and that humans must strive to do the same. He also suggests that when faced with adversity, one must not give up but instead learn from the experience and continue to grow.
Imagery
Stevenson's use of imagery in "What Man May Learn, What Man May Do" is powerful and evocative. He uses vivid descriptions to convey his message and create a sense of atmosphere and emotion. For example, he says, "The world goes up and the world goes down, / And the sunshine follows the rain; / And yesterday's sneer and yesterday's frown / Can never come over again." Here, he uses the imagery of the changing weather to reflect the ups and downs of life. He suggests that just as the rain gives way to sunshine, so too will life's challenges eventually pass.
Stevenson also uses imagery to suggest that learning and growth are continuous processes. He says, "The world goes up and the world goes down, / And the sunshine follows the rain; / And today's cry and today's crown / Tomorrow will be old again." Here, he suggests that even our greatest achievements and struggles will eventually become a thing of the past, and we must continue to learn and grow to stay relevant and effective.
Conclusion
"What Man May Learn, What Man May Do" is a timeless poem that reflects the wisdom and insight of its author, Robert Louis Stevenson. Through its simple structure, powerful themes, and evocative imagery, it encourages readers to prioritize their own learning and growth, as well as to persevere through life's ups and downs. In doing so, it offers a message of hope, inspiration, and guidance that is as relevant today as it was when it was first written.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What Man May Learn, What Man May Do: A Masterpiece of Poetry by Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish novelist, poet, and essayist, is known for his captivating works that explore the human condition. His poem, What Man May Learn, What Man May Do, is a masterpiece that delves into the essence of human existence and the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this poem to understand its significance and relevance in today's world.
Themes
The poem is divided into two parts, each with its own distinct theme. The first part, What Man May Learn, explores the idea that knowledge is essential for human growth and development. Stevenson argues that there is no limit to what man can learn, and that the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey. He writes:
"Learn from stars and learn from brooks, Learn from flowers and learn from books, Learn from dreams and learn from cares, Learn from all the world's affairs."
Stevenson emphasizes that knowledge can be gained from various sources, including nature, literature, and personal experiences. He encourages readers to be curious and open-minded, to seek knowledge wherever they can find it. This theme is particularly relevant in today's world, where access to information is easier than ever before. Stevenson's poem reminds us that knowledge is power, and that we should never stop learning.
The second part of the poem, What Man May Do, focuses on the idea that action is just as important as knowledge. Stevenson argues that it is not enough to simply learn; we must also apply what we have learned to make a positive impact on the world. He writes:
"Learn to love and learn to live, Learn to lose and learn to give, Learn to see and learn to feel, Learn to pity and to heal."
Stevenson emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion, and generosity. He encourages readers to use their knowledge and skills to help others, to make a difference in the world. This theme is particularly relevant in today's world, where there are many pressing issues that require action, such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. Stevenson's poem reminds us that we all have a role to play in making the world a better place.
Structure
The poem is written in quatrains, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, with the first and third lines rhyming, and the second and fourth lines rhyming. This structure gives the poem a musical quality, making it easy to read and remember. The use of repetition, such as "Learn from" in the first part of the poem, and "Learn to" in the second part, also adds to the musicality of the poem.
The poem is divided into two parts, each with its own distinct theme. This division gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry, and allows Stevenson to explore two different but related ideas. The use of parallelism, such as "Learn to love and learn to live" in the second part of the poem, also adds to the sense of balance and symmetry.
Language
Stevenson's use of language in this poem is simple and straightforward, yet powerful. He uses everyday words and phrases to convey complex ideas, making the poem accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. The use of repetition, such as "Learn from" and "Learn to," also adds to the simplicity and clarity of the poem.
Stevenson's use of imagery is also noteworthy. He uses vivid descriptions of nature, such as "stars," "brooks," and "flowers," to convey the idea that knowledge can be gained from the natural world. He also uses imagery to convey the idea of action, such as "Learn to give" and "Learn to heal," which evoke images of generosity and compassion.
Conclusion
What Man May Learn, What Man May Do is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the themes of knowledge and action. Stevenson's use of simple language, vivid imagery, and musical structure make the poem accessible and memorable. The poem reminds us that knowledge is essential for human growth and development, and that action is just as important as knowledge. It encourages us to be curious, open-minded, and empathetic, and to use our knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the world. In today's world, where there are many pressing issues that require action, Stevenson's poem is more relevant than ever. It reminds us that we all have a role to play in making the world a better place, and that the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom is a lifelong journey.
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