A. E. Housman’s stoic response to death in three major poems

This study intends to investigate the impact of stoicism on A.E Housman’s treatment of the theme of death in three of his major poems: “Terrence This is stupid Stuff”, “To An Athlete Dying Young," and "Loveliest of Trees the cherry now." The results reveal that Housman’s attitude towards death might be influenced by the impact of stoicism, a philosophy in which he was well-versed being a scholar of classical texts. In his "To An Athlete Dying Young" referring to the preservation of the athlete’s fame through his death in youth, the poet underestimates death and accepts it calmly based on his stoic view that man has to tolerate whatever fate brings and concentrate on its possible positive consequences. "Loveliest of Trees the cherry now" expounds death's presence even in the prime of life, turning youth into maturity and wisdom, two stoic values. And, in “Terrence This is stupid Stuff”, the secret to a long and successful life is the acceptance of pain and suffering as natural conditions of life based on stoicism and abstaining from the momentary pleasures such as drinking. Sporadic comparisons are also made with other poems of Housman.

Keywords:

Housman’s Poetry , Death , Youth , Life , Stoicism