To An Athlete Dying Young By A

Part I of Essay
Dying young is thought to be one of the most tragic of circumstances. The thoughts of lives wasted, dreams unattained, memories never conceived. It is sad fate uncontrollable by any earthly being. Most people desire to live to a ripe old age as to take full advantage of the ....

Part II of Essay
.... relates this joyous time to the present, where "Shoulder-high we bring you home; And set you at your threshold down". With the phrase "shoulder-high" he connects the race to the funeral procession. The honor of this treatment was endowed the first time for victory, and the final time for homage. The "threshold" symbolizes the grave of the athlete, his entry into the afterlife. The ironic tone of the poem becomes forlorn, almost envious as the speaker ponders upon his own past. Satire presents itself in the line "Smart lad, to slip bedtim ....