Failure

Short Answer Questions (20-30 words)

1. Main theme of the poem “Failure”: The main theme of the poem is
that failure should be faced with resilience, determination, and optimism, as
it can lead to personal growth and strength.
2. “Inky night” metaphor: The “inky night” symbolizes dark,
challenging times or despair, suggesting the need for hope and optimism in
the face of adversity.
3. Poet’s advice for facing a difficult night: The poet advises to “sing”
and “expect the morning light,” encouraging optimism and belief that
difficulties will pass, bringing better times.
4. Anaphora example: Anaphora is the repetition of a phrase at the
beginning of successive lines. In this poem, the repeated imperative “Failure
is…” is an example of anaphora.

Medium Answer Questions (50-60 words)

1. Use of physical challenges to describe failure: The poet uses
physical challenges like climbing, swimming, and scrambling to symbolize
the effort required to overcome failure. These metaphors suggest that
dealing with failure requires active engagement, effort, and persistence, just
as physical tasks demand exertion and determination.
2. Tufts of grass in the “black morass”: The “tufts of grass” in the
metaphor of the “black morass” represent hope or small points of stability in
the midst of difficulty. They symbolize the possibility of finding support and
progress even in challenging circumstances.
3. Tone of the poem: The tone of the poem is both encouraging and
motivational. Examples like “Climb it! Climb it with a will!” and “Sing! Expect
the morning light!” create a sense of hope and resilience, urging the reader
to face challenges optimistically.

Intermediate Answer Questions (30-40 words)

1. Imagery in the poem: The imagery in the poem vividly depicts
various struggles, such as a “rocky hill” or “swift river,” making the reader
visualize failure as something physical and tangible. This helps convey the
message that overcoming failure requires effort and determination.
2. Role of optimism: Optimism plays a central role in the poem by
framing failure as an opportunity for growth. The poet encourages facing
challenges with a positive mindset, suggesting that hope and perseverance
can transform failure into success.
Medium Answer Questions (50-60 words)
1. Various metaphors for failure: The poem uses metaphors like
“rocky hill,” “broken bone,” “tangled string,” and “swift river” to compare
failure to physical challenges. Each metaphor signifies a different aspect of
failure, illustrating the varied and complex nature of struggles, while also
emphasizing the need for persistence, effort, and resilience to overcome
them.
2. Literary devices used in the poem: The poem employs metaphors,
repetition, and anaphora to emphasize its message. For example, the
metaphor of “failure is a rocky hill” conveys the challenge, while “Failure is a
broken bone” suggests the need for healing. Repetition of “Failure is…”
reinforces the idea that challenges can be overcome.
3. Balancing challenges and hope: The poet balances failure’s
difficulties with hope by juxtaposing each challenge with a solution. For
instance, “Failure is a tangled string” is followed by “Puzzle out the knotted
thing,” suggesting that failure can be solved through effort and
perseverance, and optimism will eventually lead to success.

Expert Answer Questions (30-60 words)

1. Psychological implications of advice on failure: The poet’s advice
encourages a mindset of resilience and self-efficacy. It promotes the
psychological approach that failure is not an endpoint, but an opportunity
for growth and learning. By framing failure as something to be actively
overcome, the poet empowers the reader to approach setbacks with
determination and optimism.
2. Significance of transformation in the poem: The transformation
of “ugly coal” into a “diamond soul” symbolizes personal growth through
adversity. The coal represents raw, unrefined experiences, while the
diamond soul reflects the strength, wisdom, and resilience gained through
overcoming challenges. This metaphor underscores the theme of turning
failure into an opportunity for self-improvement and transformation.

The poem “Failure” by Amos Russell Wells uses several poetic devices, vivid
imagery, and a motivating tone to convey the message that failure is a challenge
to be overcome with resilience and hope. Here’s a detailed analysis of the poem,
focusing on the poetic devices, significance, themes, mood, and tone:

1. Poetic Devices:
 • Metaphor: The entire poem relies on metaphor as it compares
failure to various physical and emotional challenges (e.g., a rocky hill,
broken bone, tangled string). Each metaphor represents a different aspect of
failure, urging the reader to confront it directly rather than be discouraged
by it.
• Significance: Metaphors make the abstract idea of failure
tangible, showing it as something physical that can be overcome
through effort, persistence, and a positive attitude.
• Imperative Mood: The poet uses imperative verbs like “Climb,”
“Set,” “Puzzle,” “Swim,” “Cross,” “Scramble,” and “Sing.” These commands
create a sense of urgency and assertiveness, urging the reader to take action.
• Significance: The use of the imperative mood adds a sense of
empowerment, urging the reader to act and engage actively with
challenges rather than passively enduring them.
• Repetition (Anaphora): The phrase “Failure is” is repeated at the
start of each line.
• Significance: Repetition emphasizes the central theme of the
poem: that failure can take many forms but can be confronted and
overcome through various approaches. It builds rhythm and reinforces
the theme of resilience.
• Imagery: The poet uses vivid images to describe different forms of
failure:
• “Rocky hill” suggests an obstacle that must be climbed.
• “Broken bone” evokes the idea of an injury that needs healing.
• “Tangled string” represents a problem that needs unraveling.
• “River swift” conveys a fast-moving challenge that requires
quick action.
• “Black morass” and “tufts of grass” suggest a difficult and
murky situation with glimpses of hope.
• “Treacherous pit” refers to a dangerous situation.
• “Inky night” represents dark, difficult times.
• “Ugly coal” symbolizes raw, unrefined adversity that can be
transformed.
• Significance: The detailed imagery makes the concept of
failure more accessible and relatable to the reader. It shows that failure
isn’t just one thing but comes in many forms, each of which can be
overcome with effort and perseverance.
• Alliteration: In phrases like “tangled string” and “treacherous pit,”
the repetition of consonant sounds creates a musical quality.
 • Significance: Alliteration helps to make the poem more
rhythmic and pleasing to read while emphasizing the seriousness of the
challenge presented.

2. Themes:
• Resilience and Perseverance: The poem’s central theme is about
overcoming failure through resilience and action. Each metaphor
encourages the reader to approach failure with determination, showing that
it is not something to be feared but faced head-on.
• Transformation: The final metaphor of “ugly coal” turning into a
“diamond soul” symbolizes the potential for growth through adversity. It
suggests that failure can be a catalyst for personal transformation, turning
rough experiences into valuable lessons.
• Hope and Optimism: The idea of failure is not merely to be endured
but to be transformed. The “inky night” turning into “morning light”
symbolizes hope, implying that difficult times are temporary and that
success and better times await those who persist.

3. Mood:
• Motivational: The mood of the poem is uplifting and encouraging.
By using action-oriented language and vivid metaphors, the poet creates a
tone that pushes the reader to confront challenges with optimism and
determination.
• Empowerment: The repeated imperative verbs, such as “Climb it!”
and “Swim it!” create a feeling of empowerment, urging readers to take
charge of their struggles and face them with confidence.

4. Tone:
• Encouraging and Optimistic: The tone of the poem is consistently
optimistic and motivational. The poet encourages the reader to approach
failure as an opportunity for growth and improvement, suggesting that
failure is not final and can be transformed into something valuable.
• Assertive: The poem adopts an assertive tone, using direct
commands to call the reader to action. This reinforces the idea that the
reader has the power to overcome obstacles and make meaningful progress
in the face of adversity.

5. Overall Analysis:
• Significance: The poem underscores the importance of attitude in
the face of failure. It teaches that failure is not an end, but a part of the
 process toward success. It conveys that persistence, effort, and a positive
outlook can transform setbacks into opportunities for growth.
• Message: The overarching message is that failure should not be
feared or avoided but faced directly and with determination. The poem
serves as a reminder that challenges are an inevitable part of life, but they
are also surmountable with the right mindset.
• Impact: The poem’s tone and message are meant to inspire readers
to tackle difficulties with confidence and resilience. The poetic devices,
especially the metaphors and imperatives, reinforce the idea that failure is
not an insurmountable obstacle but a part of the journey to success.

In conclusion, “Failure” by Amos Russell Wells uses a combination of powerful

metaphors, imagery, and an imperative tone to convey a message of hope,
resilience, and the transformative power of failure. It encourages the reader to
face difficulties with determination and optimism, suggesting that every failure is
an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser.

Here’s a detailed line-by-line analysis of the poem “Failure” by Amos Russell

Wells, focusing on the poetic devices, significance, themes, mood, and tone:

Line 1:

“Failure is a rocky hill:”

• Metaphor: Failure is compared to a “rocky hill,” suggesting a
difficult obstacle that must be overcome.
• Significance: The rocky hill symbolizes the challenging nature of
failure. Just like a hill is difficult to climb, failure can feel daunting, but it’s
something that can be conquered.
• Mood: The mood begins to set a tone of struggle and challenge but
not despair.

Line 2:

“Climb it! Climb it with a will!”

• Imperative: The poet uses the imperative verb “Climb,” urging the
reader to actively engage with failure.
• Significance: This line encourages resilience and determination.
The phrase “with a will” emphasizes the importance of perseverance and
inner strength when facing challenges.
 • Tone: The tone is assertive and encouraging, motivating the reader
to take action rather than giving up.

Line 3:

“Failure is a broken bone:”

• Metaphor: Here, failure is compared to a broken bone, implying
something that needs healing or mending.
• Significance: A broken bone requires setting and healing. This
metaphor suggests that failure may be painful but can be repaired through
effort and care.
• Mood: The mood here shifts to one of pain and discomfort, but also
one of recovery.

Line 4:

“Set it! Grin, and do not groan!”

• Imperative: The command “Set it” calls for action, encouraging the
reader to fix the broken situation with a positive attitude.
• Significance: This line underscores the importance of maintaining a
positive attitude (“Grin”) even during times of hardship and pain. It tells the
reader not to complain but to focus on overcoming.
• Tone: The tone is resolute and optimistic, emphasizing mental
strength and resilience.

Line 5:

“Failure is a tangled string:”

• Metaphor: Failure is compared to a “tangled string,” which
represents confusion or a difficult problem that needs to be untangled.
• Significance: This metaphor shows that failure often leads to
complex problems, but like a tangled string, it can be solved with patience
and persistence.
• Mood: The mood suggests confusion and frustration, but it also
hints at the possibility of clarity through effort.

Line 6:

“Puzzle out the knotted thing!”

 • Imperative: The command “Puzzle out” urges the reader to
carefully think through the problem and untangle it.
• Significance: This line emphasizes patience and problem-solving
skills. Failure may seem complex, but it can be figured out if one perseveres.
• Tone: The tone is both encouraging and practical, suggesting a
methodical approach to dealing with failure.

Line 7:

“Failure is a river swift:”

• Metaphor: Failure is compared to a fast-flowing river, suggesting
something that can be overwhelming if not handled properly.
• Significance: The swift river represents how failure can come at you
quickly and forcefully, challenging you to keep up and move forward.
• Mood: The mood here is one of urgency and potential danger,
highlighting the fast-paced nature of some failures.

Line 8:

“Swim it! Swim, and do not drift!”

• Imperative: The command “Swim it” urges the reader to actively
engage and fight against the current.
• Significance: This line suggests that one must not be passive in the
face of failure but must take action, just as swimming against a current
requires effort and determination.
• Tone: The tone is motivational and action-oriented, calling for
persistence and willpower.

Line 9:

“Failure is a black morass:”

• Metaphor: Failure is compared to a “black morass,” a difficult,
swampy area. It suggests a feeling of being stuck in a dark, confusing place.
• Significance: The black morass represents the oppressive and
overwhelming nature of failure, a place where progress seems hard to make.
• Mood: The mood is dark and discouraging, reflecting the difficulty
and frustration of being in a seemingly inescapable situation.

Line 10:
“Cross it! There are tufts of grass!”
• Imperative: The command “Cross it” urges the reader to keep
moving forward, even when faced with a challenging environment.
• Significance: The “tufts of grass” symbolize hope and moments of
respite that can be found even in difficult times. The line suggests that with
perseverance, the reader will find hope and opportunities, even in the
darkest situations.
• Tone: The tone is reassuring, providing hope amid struggle.

Line 11:

“Failure is a treacherous pit:”

• Metaphor: Failure is compared to a “treacherous pit,” symbolizing a
dangerous or deceptive situation that could lead to harm or frustration.
• Significance: This metaphor highlights the risk involved in failure. A
pit is something one can fall into, representing the setbacks and difficulties
that can trap someone if they’re not careful.
• Mood: The mood here is one of caution and alertness, recognizing
the dangers of failure.

Line 12:

“Scramble! Clamber out of it!”

• Imperative: The commands “Scramble” and “Clamber” suggest a
frantic, urgent action to escape the pit.
• Significance: These verbs convey the idea that overcoming failure
requires vigorous effort and quick thinking. It’s about actively working your
way out of a difficult situation.
• Tone: The tone is urgent and energetic, emphasizing action and
determination.

Line 13:

“Failure is an inky night:”

• Metaphor: Failure is compared to an “inky night,” representing
darkness, uncertainty, and despair.
• Significance: The “inky night” symbolizes a period of hopelessness
or confusion, where one might feel lost or unable to find a way forward.
• Mood: The mood is bleak, creating a sense of darkness and difficulty.
Line 14:

“Sing! Expect the morning light!”

• Imperative: The command “Sing” encourages the reader to
maintain hope and positivity, even in the darkest times.
• Significance: The “morning light” represents hope, renewal, and the
eventual end of darkness. This line teaches that after hardship, a new day
will come, and things will get better.
• Tone: The tone is optimistic and hopeful, suggesting that failure is
temporary and will eventually be followed by success or clarity.

Line 15:

“Failure is an ugly coal:”

• Metaphor: Failure is compared to an “ugly coal,” something rough
and unrefined that may appear unattractive or disappointing.
• Significance: The coal represents a raw, challenging experience that
may seem undesirable at first, but with transformation, it can become
something valuable.
• Mood: The mood here is dark and gritty, indicating that failure can
be a harsh and unattractive experience.

Line 16:

“Fuse it to a diamond soul!”

• Imperative: The command “Fuse it” calls for transforming the raw
coal into something precious and valuable—a diamond.
• Significance: This line suggests that failure, when faced with
determination and strength, can lead to personal growth and
transformation, turning adversity into something valuable and worthwhile.
• Tone: The tone is uplifting and transformative, reinforcing the idea
that failure can lead to improvement and success.

Conclusion:

The poem “Failure” by Amos Russell Wells encourages the reader to face
challenges with resilience, patience, and hope. Through vivid metaphors, the poet
highlights different aspects of failure and shows how, despite its difficulty, failure
can be overcome through persistence and a positive mindset. The poem’s tone is
motivational and optimistic, urging the reader to view failure as a stepping stone
to success, transformation, and self-improvement. Each metaphor, from the
rocky hill to the diamond soul, reinforces the message that failure is not the end,
but an opportunity to rise stronger.

Failure uses various poetic devices to portray failure as obstacles that can be
overcome with sheer determination and will-power. Elucidate.

Ans: Throughout the poem we see that the poet, Amos Russel Well has used
numerous poetic devices to explain that failure can be depressing and painful but
through determination and perseverance it can create opportunities for personal
growth and self improvement. Metaphor which is predominantly used in the
poem where in the poet compares failure with rocky hill, inky night, broken
bone, ugly coal, black morass etc signifies how the poet believes that failure can
be depressing, confusing, difficult and painful but he has also used imperatives
like climb it, sing, grin and do not groan, fuse it into a diamond soul all of these
collectively depict how the poet encourages the readers to face failure with
courage and resilience and put in active efforts and face adversities with a
positive attitude optimistically. Along with that, the poet also uses imagery and
anaphora in the poem allowing the readers to picture the hardships that failure
can bring with itself but significantly creates a juxtaposition by demonstrating
that with patience and persistence failure can be transformed into success and
act as an opportunity in the face of adversity to achieve success. All these poetic
devices together create a rhythmic and optimistic mood of the poem encouraging
readers to deal face failure with determination and strength.