The theme of living life purposefully and cultivating personal integrity and resilience is prevalent in "Choose Something Like a Star" by Robert Frost, "The Journey" by Mary Oliver, "If" by Rudyard Kipling, and "Equipment" by Edgar A. Guest. Each poem offers unique advice on how to navigate life's challenges and measure success.
1. Advice on How to Live Life
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"Choose Something Like a Star": Frost encourages readers to look up to a guiding star as a metaphor for inspiration and guidance. He suggests that one should seek out constancy and truth in life rather than succumbing to uncertainty and chaos. The notion is to choose values or ideals that can serve as a compass in one's life journey.
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"The Journey": Oliver presents a theme of self-discovery and personal courage, urging individuals to courageously embark on their own paths. The advice centers around listening to one's inner voice and having the strength to leave behind what no longer serves one. The journey is personal and requires determination and self-awareness.
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"If": Kipling’s poem lays out a series of conditions for personal conduct, offering advice on resilience, humility, and integrity. The poem underscores the importance of maintaining character in the face of adversity, suggesting that true greatness comes from how one responds to challenges.
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"Equipment": Guest emphasizes the importance of preparation, hard work, and personal responsibility. His advice revolves around the idea that success is built upon the tools and mindset one cultivates—namely, a strong work ethic and the willingness to contribute.
2. Best Qualities of a Successful Person
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Frost: The successful person, according to Frost, is someone who finds stability and inspiration from a higher ideal—a “star.” Such individuals are thoughtful and contemplative, capable of understanding life's mysteries while seeking truth.
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Oliver: In "The Journey," success is defined by the willingness to pursue one’s own path. The brave person who boldly confronts fears and barriers, who trusts themselves, and finds authentic purpose is portrayed as the ideal successful person.
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Kipling: The qualities of a successful person in "If" include resilience, composure under pressure, integrity, humility, and the ability to learn from failures. The successful person remains steadfast and principled, regardless of life's circumstances.
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Guest: Guest implies that successful individuals are those who prepare themselves adequately for life's demands. Qualities such as diligence, openness to learning, and the capacity for initiative are highlighted as essential attributes for achieving success.
3. Definition of Success in Relation to Society
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Frost: While society often equates success with material achievements or external accolades, Frost encourages an introspective definition of success that places a premium on finding personal meaning and truth. True success lies in understanding and facing the complexities of life with awareness.
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Oliver: In contrast to societal norms that prioritize conformity and superficial achievement, Oliver’s portrayal of success emphasizes personal fulfillment, authenticity, and self-acceptance. Success is framed as an individual journey rather than a race for external validation.
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Kipling: Kipling’s vision of success contrasts with societal definitions that often favor wealth and fame. Instead, he emphasizes moral character and resilience as the ultimate measures of success. His ideal person embodies values that are often overlooked in a society focused on superficial success.
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Guest: Guest acknowledges that societal success often revolves around traditional markers such as career achievements, but he highlights a more grounded approach. His idea of success places importance on preparation and effort, suggesting that success is found in the journey, not just the end results.
Conclusion
The poems collectively suggest that success is a multifaceted concept, often divergent from societal expectations. They advocate for the qualities of integrity, resilience, and self-awareness while viewing the successful individual as someone who prioritizes personal growth and meaningful pursuits over conventional metrics of achievement.