A.E. Housman's To an Athlete Dying Young is a remarkable piece of literature. It stimulates the reader's sense of existence. Uplifting, yet vigilant, the poem inspires the reader to live their life to the fullest. The comparison between the first two stanzas is a subtle warning of two extremes of life. The use of analogies gives the subject more texture. To an Athlete Dying Young is a reminder to live life by the Latin phrase Carpe Diem.

In the first stanza, Housman relates victory and success to pride and acceptance. The second stanza describes a funeral. The comparison between the two stanzas shows that a victorious athlete, idol, or anyone of high rank can face dangers of death and be forgotten. The hints that life is short are very obvious. With such a vivid contrast between the two, it draws the reader into the meaning behind the...