Many poets in the past have chosen the theme of their poems to be that people should take risks and not let things get in the way of doing what you want to do. This is the theme Henry van Dyke uses in his poem, "Doors of Daring." Through his use of symbolism, Henry van Dyke is able to get this message across.

Henry van Dyke uses symbolism to show the things that could get in the way of doing what you want to do. His use of symbolism is expressed in the line, which states, "The bars of life at which we fret." The bars of life are like fears or phobias but if we just overcome these fears we will have more enjoyment in life. This is but one reason to overcome your fears.

Henry van Dyke uses symbolism in another line in...