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'The House by the Side of the Road' by Sam Walter Foss


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There are hermit souls that live withdrawn
In the place of their self-content;
There are souls like stars, that dwell apart,
in a fellowship firmament;
There are pioneer souls that blaze their paths
Where highways never ran----
But let me live by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.

Let me live in a house by the side of the road,

Where the race of men go by--
The men who are good and the men who are bad,
As good and as bad as I,
I would not sit in the scorner's seat,
Or hurl the cynic's ban----
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.

I see from my house by the side of the road,

By the side of the highway of life,
The men who press with the ardor of hope,
The men who are faint with the strife.
But I turn not away from their smiles nor their tears,
Both part of an infinite plan---
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.

I know there are brook-gladdened meadows ahead

And moutains of wearisome height;
That the road passes on through the long afternoon
And stretches away to the night.
But still I rejoice when the travelers rejoice,
And weep with the strangers that moan,
Nor live in my house by the side of the road
Like a man who dwells alone.

Let me live in my house by the side of the road---

It's here the race of men go by.
They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong,
Wise, foolish---so am I;
Then why should I sit in the scorners seat,
Or hurl the cynic's ban?
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The House by the Side of the Road: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Introduction

The House by the Side of the Road, written by Sam Walter Foss, is a classic poem that has touched the hearts of millions of readers around the world. It is a poem that celebrates the virtues of kindness, generosity, and hospitality. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the structure, imagery, themes, and symbolism of this timeless poem.

Structure

The House by the Side of the Road is a narrative poem that tells the story of a man who builds his house by the side of the road and welcomes all passersby with open arms. The poem is composed of 18 stanzas, each consisting of four lines with an ABAB rhyme scheme. The poem has a simple and straightforward structure that reflects the straightforward message of the poem: that kindness and hospitality are virtues worth celebrating.

Imagery

One of the most striking features of The House by the Side of the Road is its vivid and evocative imagery. The poem is filled with images of the road, the house, and the various people who pass by. Foss uses sensory language to bring these images to life and create a sense of vividness and immediacy. For example, in the opening stanza, Foss describes the road as "a busy highway" where "the people hurried by." This image of a bustling, crowded road sets the scene for the rest of the poem.

Another striking image in the poem is that of the house itself. Foss describes the house as "a friendly shelter" with "a door that's never locked." This image of a warm and welcoming house creates a sense of comfort and safety for the reader, and reinforces the theme of kindness and hospitality.

Finally, Foss uses imagery to describe the various people who pass by the house. He describes them as "weary, sad, and lone," and "broken-hearted pilgrims" who are in need of kindness and compassion. These images create a sense of empathy and compassion for the reader, and reinforce the message of the poem that kindness and hospitality are virtues worth celebrating.

Themes

The House by the Side of the Road is a poem that celebrates the virtues of kindness, generosity, and hospitality. The central theme of the poem is that we should always be kind and welcoming to those around us, especially those who are in need. Foss uses the image of the house by the side of the road to symbolize this message of kindness and hospitality.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of community. Foss suggests that by being kind and welcoming to those around us, we create a sense of community and belonging. The final stanza of the poem emphasizes this theme:

"Let me live in my house by the side of the road, Where the race of men go by— They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong, Wise, foolish—so am I. Then why should I sit in the scorner's seat, Or hurl the cynic's ban?... Let me live in my house by the side of the road And be a friend to man."

This stanza suggests that by being a friend to others, we become part of a larger community of humanity.

Symbolism

The House by the Side of the Road is rich with symbolism. The house itself is a symbol of warmth, welcome, and hospitality. The fact that it is located by the side of the road suggests that it is accessible to all, regardless of their background or social status. The open door of the house is a symbol of the generosity and kindness of its owner.

The road is also a powerful symbol in the poem. It represents the journey of life, with all its ups and downs, and the various people who pass by the house represent the different experiences and challenges that we encounter on this journey. The fact that the road is busy and crowded suggests that life is full of people and experiences, and that it is important to be kind and welcoming to those we encounter along the way.

Finally, the poem itself can be seen as a symbol of the power of literature to inspire and uplift. The fact that The House by the Side of the Road has been read and loved by so many people over the years is a testament to its enduring power and relevance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The House by the Side of the Road is a classic poem that celebrates the virtues of kindness, generosity, and hospitality. Through its vivid imagery, powerful themes, and rich symbolism, the poem reminds us of the importance of being kind and welcoming to those around us, and of the power of community and connection to uplift and inspire. As we continue on our journey through life, may we all strive to be like the owner of the house by the side of the road, and be a friend to our fellow travelers.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The House by the Side of the Road: A Timeless Poem of Kindness and Compassion

Sam Walter Foss, an American poet, wrote a timeless poem titled "The House by the Side of the Road" in 1897. The poem is a beautiful ode to kindness, compassion, and generosity. It speaks to the human spirit and the importance of being kind to others, regardless of their background or circumstances. The poem has been a source of inspiration for generations and continues to resonate with readers today.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a house by the side of the road. The house is not grand or luxurious, but it is a welcoming place for travelers. The speaker notes that the house is not just a physical structure but a symbol of the kindness and compassion that the owner of the house embodies. The house is a place where weary travelers can find rest and comfort, and the owner of the house is always ready to offer a helping hand.

The poem's central message is that kindness and compassion are essential qualities that we should all strive to possess. The speaker notes that in life, we all face challenges and difficulties, and we need the support and kindness of others to help us through these tough times. The owner of the house by the side of the road understands this and is always ready to offer a helping hand to those in need.

The poem's second stanza emphasizes the importance of kindness and compassion in our daily lives. The speaker notes that we all have the power to make a difference in the world by showing kindness and compassion to others. The owner of the house by the side of the road is an example of this, as he is always willing to help others, regardless of their background or circumstances.

The third stanza of the poem is particularly poignant, as it speaks to the idea that we should not judge others based on their appearance or social status. The speaker notes that the owner of the house by the side of the road does not discriminate against anyone who comes to his door. He welcomes everyone with open arms and treats them with kindness and respect.

The fourth stanza of the poem is a call to action for all of us. The speaker notes that we should all strive to be like the owner of the house by the side of the road. We should all be kind and compassionate to others, regardless of their background or circumstances. The poem reminds us that we all have the power to make a difference in the world by showing kindness and compassion to others.

The final stanza of the poem is a beautiful conclusion to the message of the poem. The speaker notes that when our time on earth is done, we will be remembered not for our wealth or status but for the kindness and compassion we showed to others. The owner of the house by the side of the road will be remembered for his kindness and compassion, and we should all strive to leave a similar legacy.

In conclusion, "The House by the Side of the Road" is a timeless poem that speaks to the importance of kindness and compassion in our daily lives. The poem reminds us that we all have the power to make a difference in the world by showing kindness and compassion to others. The owner of the house by the side of the road is an example of this, as he is always willing to help others, regardless of their background or circumstances. The poem is a beautiful reminder that when our time on earth is done, we will be remembered not for our wealth or status but for the kindness and compassion we showed to others.

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