Essay Questions

How does Ehrmann emphasize the importance of being kind to yourself in "Desiderata?"

In "Desiderata," Ehrmann emphasizes the importance of being kind to yourself, particularly in the following passage:

"Be gentle with yourself
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here."

In this passage, Ehrmann suggests that people should go easy on themselves, and see themselves as being part of a bigger picture. As he states here, each and every person is valuable in their own right and deserves kindness.

What does the speaker of "A Prayer" suggest is the "strength" that comforted him "in the desolation of other times?"

In "A Prayer," the speaker tells us about a feeling of inner strength that has carried him through difficult times. Through the rest of the poem, he subtly expands on the nature of this strength and what its sources might be.

One possible source of strength is his happy memories, which he suggests when he writes:

"May I still remember the bright hours that found me walking over the silent hills of my childhood."

Later in the poem, the speaker similarly states that in his old age he will remain strong by being thankful for "time's olden memories."

Another source of strength for the speaker is his devotion, spirituality and faith in God. For example, he states that he "promised" is "early God" to have courage, and that his faith has helped him find strength within himself.

How does Ehrmann retain a realistic view of the world in his poetry, despite his positive outlook?

Despite the positive and uplifting nature of his poetry, Ehrmann nonetheless acknowledges that life can be difficult and frustrating. Perhaps this is what makes his poetry so appealing, because he doesn't try to negate the negative aspects of the world or exclude them entirely.

For example, in his poem "Reforming Oneself," he admits that there aren't enough "kindly persons" in the world and that "our competitive life develops selfishness and unkindness." In his well-known poem "Desiderata," he tells us that "the world is full of trickery."

However, despite this apparent negativity in the world, Ehrmann maintains that we must not let ourselves lose sight of the goodness in the world:

"But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism."