The Final Strain
The poem explores the journey toward fame and the emotional toll it takes on the individual. The speaker ascends a metaphorical hill, representing the struggle and effort required to achieve recognition and success. Upon reaching the pinnacle, there is a moment of joy and fulfillment, but this is quickly overshadowed by the realization of life's impermanence and the inevitability of death. The "strains of Life's Last Symphony" symbolize the end of existence, suggesting that even in moments of triumph, one must confront the ultimate fate that awaits all. The work reflects on the duality of achievement and mortality, emphasizing that the pursuit of fame may lead to a bittersweet realization of life's fleeting nature. The speaker's ecstatic moment is juxtaposed with the somber reminder of life's transience, creating a poignant commentary on the human experience.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism · 78 words
First lines
I climbed the craggy hill of fame, Heart-sore and wearily, Stood on her gleaming goal at length, And sighed in ecstasy.
"O God," I cried, "what bliss" -- when lo!
Came stealing like a pall, The strains of Life's Last Symphony, In Prelude, to -- the call.
What this Textopian page supports
The Final Strain is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, 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: Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism, Existentialism, Philosophical
- Length: 78 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
- Before The End by Madison Cawein
- At The End Of The World by Helen Hay Whitney
- Finale by James Mcintyre
- Elusion by Madison Cawein
- The Earthquake by L. Frank Baum
- The Enemies by Arthur Willis Colton
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of ecstasy and the sublime experience align with Romantic ideals.
- Existentialism — The contemplation of life and its ultimate meaning reflects existential themes.
Tags
Dystopian · Science Fiction · Apocalyptic · Post-Apocalyptic · Survival · Thriller · Action · Adventure · Speculative Fiction · Futuristic · Disaster · Catastrophe