Herman Altman by Edgar Lee Masters
The work presents a reflective monologue by a character who grapples with the legacy of his life and the nature of truth. He questions whether he truly followed truth and stood for justice, suggesting that if he had, he would be remembered positively. However, he expresses a desire to avoid monuments or tributes that could distort his memory and legacy. He fears that those who opposed him during his life—thieves and liars—might co-opt his image and narrative after his death, claiming solidarity with him despite their past actions. The speaker emphasizes the importance of authenticity in memory, insisting that his true essence should remain with those who genuinely loved and supported him, rather than being appropriated by those who did not. He seeks to be remembered not as a demi-god or a figure of reverence, but as a real person whose struggles and truths are preserved in the hearts of his true supporters. The work ultimately explores themes of identity, memory, and the complexities of how individuals are remembered after death, highlighting the tension between personal truth and public perception.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Literary Fiction · 220 words
First lines
Did I follow Truth wherever she led, And stand against the whole world for a cause, And uphold the weak against the strong?
If I did I would be remembered among men As I was known in life among the people, And as I was hated and loved on earth, Therefore, build no monument to me, And carve no bust for me, Lest, though I become not a demi-god, The reality of my soul be lost, So that thieves and liars, Who were my enemies and destroyed me, And the children of thieves and liars, May claim me and affirm before my bust That they stood with me in the days of my defeat.
Build me no monument Lest my memory be perverted to the uses Of lying and oppression.
What this Textopian page supports
Herman Altman is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edgar Lee Masters, dated 1916 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edgar Lee Masters
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Existential
- Length: 220 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of truth, memory, and legacy.
- Philosophical — The text explores deep philosophical questions about truth, identity, and the nature of remembrance.
- Literary Fiction — The narrative delves into complex human emotions and societal issues, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Social Commentary — The poem critiques societal values and the distortion of memory and legacy by societal norms.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Free Verse · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Individualism · Existentialism · Philosophical Themes · Moral Ambiguity