To An Athlete Dying Young Poem Analysis Essay
Shayla Pemberton
Dr. John Allen
English 202
July 19, 2014
Although “To an Athlete Dying Young” by A.E. Housman and “Ex-Basketball Player” by John Updike are both about the reflection of honorary greatness achieved in their lives as athletes, the speakers possess different views and attitudes towards their characters in each poem. In “To an Athlete Dying Young” the speaker shares a positive reflection of the characters accomplishments that takes place due to the death of that character dying at a young age: “To-day, the road all runners come, / Shoulder-high we bring you home, /And set you at your threshold down, /Townsman of a stiller town.” (“Athlete”5-8). In “Ex-Basketball Player” John Updike speaker reflects upon Flick Webb’s past …show more content…
Housman’s speaker describes the early death of the deceased as: “Smart lad, to slip betimes away / From fields where glory does not stay” (“Athlete” 9-10). Throughout the poem, the speaker gives praised to the deceased by showing his appreciation and honor that he holds for young deceased athlete: “The time you won your town the race / We chaired you through the market-place; / Man and boy stood cheering by, (“Athlete”1-3). “Now you will not swell the rout / Of lads that wore their honors out,” (“Athlete”17-18). The speaker positively reminisces about the athlete life and accomplishments. The speaker’s words paint a picture that the athlete did indeed die young but that his accomplishments will forever be a legacy. Housman’s speaker directly addresses the athlete to show respect and honor to the deceased …show more content…
The speaker describes the life story of Flick Webb, an old high school athlete who was remarkable who is now just a gas station attendant: “Once Flick played for the high-school team, the Wizards / He was good: in fact, the best.” (“Ex-Basketball”13-14). “At Colonel McComsky Plaza. Berth’s Garage / Is on the corner facing west, and there, / Most days, you’ll find Flick Webb, who helps Berth out.” (“Ex-Basketball”4-6). The speaker’s attitude towards Flick Webb sets a tone of lack of motivation and disappointment: “Flick stands tall among the idiot pumps-” (“Ex-Basketball”7). The speaker believes that Flick’s potential and talents should have assisted more towards him becoming successful instead of just being a gas station attendant. “He never learned a trade, he just sells gas, / Checks oil, and changes flats.”
Dr. John Allen
English 202
July 19, 2014
Although “To an Athlete Dying Young” by A.E. Housman and “Ex-Basketball Player” by John Updike are both about the reflection of honorary greatness achieved in their lives as athletes, the speakers possess different views and attitudes towards their characters in each poem. In “To an Athlete Dying Young” the speaker shares a positive reflection of the characters accomplishments that takes place due to the death of that character dying at a young age: “To-day, the road all runners come, / Shoulder-high we bring you home, /And set you at your threshold down, /Townsman of a stiller town.” (“Athlete”5-8). In “Ex-Basketball Player” John Updike speaker reflects upon Flick Webb’s past …show more content…
Housman’s speaker describes the early death of the deceased as: “Smart lad, to slip betimes away / From fields where glory does not stay” (“Athlete” 9-10). Throughout the poem, the speaker gives praised to the deceased by showing his appreciation and honor that he holds for young deceased athlete: “The time you won your town the race / We chaired you through the market-place; / Man and boy stood cheering by, (“Athlete”1-3). “Now you will not swell the rout / Of lads that wore their honors out,” (“Athlete”17-18). The speaker positively reminisces about the athlete life and accomplishments. The speaker’s words paint a picture that the athlete did indeed die young but that his accomplishments will forever be a legacy. Housman’s speaker directly addresses the athlete to show respect and honor to the deceased …show more content…
The speaker describes the life story of Flick Webb, an old high school athlete who was remarkable who is now just a gas station attendant: “Once Flick played for the high-school team, the Wizards / He was good: in fact, the best.” (“Ex-Basketball”13-14). “At Colonel McComsky Plaza. Berth’s Garage / Is on the corner facing west, and there, / Most days, you’ll find Flick Webb, who helps Berth out.” (“Ex-Basketball”4-6). The speaker’s attitude towards Flick Webb sets a tone of lack of motivation and disappointment: “Flick stands tall among the idiot pumps-” (“Ex-Basketball”7). The speaker believes that Flick’s potential and talents should have assisted more towards him becoming successful instead of just being a gas station attendant. “He never learned a trade, he just sells gas, / Checks oil, and changes flats.”