Thomas Hood Analysis Essay Example

death, punishment, and illness, was to persist.

According to Charles Spurgeon, determination and persistence are closely linked, as he once said that the difference between what is possible and what is impossible lies in a person's determination. It is only through dedicating oneself that one can achieve what is within reach. In modern times, success cannot be easily obtained; luck does not exist. Giving up means facing overwhelming challenges until one reevaluates their values and confronts them. The quote highlights the importance of teamwork and maintaining a positive attitude to improve situations. Therefore, both determination and persistence are crucial when approaching any task. Despite this interpretation, Thomas Hood's poem initially may not seem to represent the idea of "with hard work comes great reward" clearly but it actually holds a deeper meaning regarding the portrayal of a diligent slave without an apparent purpose or reward.

Despite this, Thomas' original idea is expressed in lines 43-44: "Yes, just give me work and you won't have to worry." This indicates that the slave willingly asks for tasks and demonstrates their honorable intentions towards the overseer. It implies that the slave owner should not be concerned about their property engaging in anything other than labor.

Furthermore, Thomas expresses the willingness of the slave to do any task required of him, stating, "Whatever nature needs, wherever labor calls, No job I’ll shirk of the hardest work." (51-53) Here he openly declares that he will not avoid or evade any job. It appears that he takes pride in his work and does not prioritize the reward, but rather focuses on doing things well. This further emphasizes the significance of

determination and persistence in all endeavors.

The aforementioned quote accurately represents and supports the idea of being rewarded for hard work, a concept that is often misunderstood. The speaker expresses their belief in not seeking handouts such as food, money, or donations. They feel entitled to fair compensation for their work. Fair compensation includes only the bare necessities such as food and shelter, along with occasional indulgences like bacon or a drop of beer.

The reward for this slave, and possibly most slaves in general, is the basic essentials for life. They appreciate merely being alive and connected to the earth because they lack knowledge or experience of anything else. Hence, it's essential to consider that rewards may be unexpected or not immediately apparent before making assumptions. A significant notion that should be universally understood is the significance of gratitude and the avoidance of greed. Moreover, persistence, determination, applying oneself, and utilizing one's knowledge are all crucial.

Thomas Hood opens this poem with a powerful and thought-provoking quote, highlighting the importance of hands: "and here’s a ready hand, To ply the needful tool, and skill’d enough by lessons rough, in Labors rugged school” (5-8). The poet emphasizes that hands are a universal and influential tool given to every human being. When used correctly, they have endless possibilities and enable us to assist others. However, it ultimately depends on how we choose to employ our hands. Offering a ready hand that can adeptly operate the necessary tool represents proper usage.

He characterizes his hands as having the skill and knowledge gained through difficult experiences in the demanding world of slave labor. He

emphasizes that his hands have endured the education of a slave. Furthermore, Thomas elaborates on how families of slaves endure harsh winters, where children gather and huddle together, desperate to catch a glimpse of sunlight and experience joyous moments despite their dire circumstances.

Through enduring the winter, slaves are ultimately rewarded with the warmth of spring and summer. This poem serves as a means to enlighten both the subject's personal life and their existence as property rather than human beings. It allows individuals to recognize the significance of their own lives. Slaves should be regarded as inspirations because they maintained a positive mindset despite facing numerous hardships. Even though their lives were primarily filled with hard labor until death, they still managed to find joy and substance.

In his poem "The Lay of the Laborer," Thomas Hood prompts us to contemplate the meaning of our lives and the value of perseverance. He cautions against disregarding the little details in life and urges us to make use of the resources we've been given. The poem encourages a closer examination of our purpose and an appreciation for humanity's advancements.