Question

Read the extract and write the appreciation of the poem given below: Is anybody happier because you passed his way?
Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?
This day is almost over, and its toiling time is through;
Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?
Did you give a cheerful greeting to the friend who came along?
Or a churlish sort of "Howdy" and then vanish in the throng?
Were you selfish pure and simple as you rushed along the way,
Or is someone mighty grateful for a deed you did today?
Can you say tonight, in parting with the days that’s slipping fast,
That you helped a single brother of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said?
Does a man whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead?

Hint:

When appreciating a poem, focus on the message it conveys, its tone, and the emotional impact it has on the reader. Consider the use of rhetorical devices and the central themes the poet addresses.

Answer 1

The poem is a reflection on selflessness and the impact of our actions on others. The speaker questions whether their interactions with others have been meaningful and whether they have helped anyone in any way. The rhetorical questions encourage introspection, urging the reader to consider how they treat others and whether they make a positive impact on the world around them.
The poem asks whether the speaker has contributed to someone’s happiness, whether they’ve greeted others warmly, or whether they’ve simply passed through life without noticing the people they’ve encountered. It highlights the importance of kindness, gratitude, and compassion, urging individuals to live with a sense of purpose and to leave a positive mark on others’ lives.
The tone is contemplative, and the poem effectively emphasizes the theme of self-reflection and the importance of small deeds in the course of daily life. Final Answer: This is a reflective poem that encourages the reader to evaluate their daily interactions, urging them to live with kindness, selflessness, and awareness. It reminds us that our actions, no matter how small, can have a lasting effect on others.