Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"It Couldn't Be Done" is a motivational poem by Edgar Albert Guest, first published in his 1917 collection "A Heap o' Livin'". The poem encourages readers to pursue their dreams and not give up, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Context:

Edgar Albert Guest was an early 20th-century American poet and journalist, known for his accessible and often sentimental poetry. "It Couldn't Be Done" was written during a time of great social and cultural change in America, as people were facing economic hardships and uncertainty. The poem reflects the values and beliefs of the time, which emphasized the importance of hard work, perseverance, and optimism.

Content:

"It Couldn't Be Done" is a poem that celebrates the power of determination and persistence. The poem tells the story of a man who sets out to achieve an impossible task, and who succeeds through sheer force of will. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having faith in oneself, and not giving up in the face of obstacles and naysayers. Throughout the poem, the speaker uses vivid imagery and metaphor to convey the sense of excitement and triumph that comes from achieving a difficult goal.

Form:

"It Couldn't Be Done" is a relatively short poem that is structured around a series of simple and straightforward stanzas. The poem is characterized by its use of plain and accessible language, which reflects the speaker's down-to-earth and practical approach to life.

Poetic Elements:

"It Couldn't Be Done" makes use of a number of poetic devices, including metaphor, repetition, and alliteration. These elements help to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem, while also emphasizing the emotional resonance of the speaker's words.

Summary:

"It Couldn't Be Done" is a motivational and inspirational poem that celebrates the power of determination and persistence. The poem encourages readers to pursue their dreams and not give up, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Through its use of vivid imagery and metaphor, the poem conveys the sense of excitement and triumph that comes from achieving a difficult goal. Overall, "It Couldn't Be Done" is a work of poetry that continues to inspire and motivate readers today.

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