Question on the poem Desiderata

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OyhrBprna

Writing

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In a short, 300-500 word essay, explain what the poem Desiderata is all about. You may also give a bit of a backgrounder on the writer. Discuss why it is such a timeless piece of literature.

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Explanation & Answer

Hi,Please find attached, the answer to your question on Desiderata. Thank you.

‘Desiderata’ by Max Ehrmann is one of the most famous poems in history. The term ‘desiderata’
is a latin word meaning ‘things to be desired.’ Penned in 1927, the poem did not get much
success until after the death of its writer in 1945 when it was published by his wife in 1948 as
part of a series of poems called ‘The poems of Max Ehrmann.’Ehrmann was born in 1872 as the
youngest of five children to German immigrant parents residing in Terre Haute, Indiana. As fate
would have it, the Ehrmanns would later have much financial success when the brothers Charles
and Emil founded a business empire. Ehrmann claimed that his parents inspired his interest in
literature, and his father would usually recite poems and encourage the young Ehrmann to read
more literature.
‘Desiderata’ is a poem about the ideals of life; what we should all hope to be in life. Wisdom
streams from the poem stanza by stanza. From the very first stanza, Ehrmann launches into his
much-treasured counsel, asking the reader to remain calm and show serenity in times of chaos of
everyday life. The poem also advises the reader to be honest and listen to all people. The poet
also warns against jealousy and insists that one should always celebrate their achievements. The
poem also preaches positivity, for as though the world may be filled with treacherous people,
there still remains a lot of virtue, heroism, and love, all of which should be acknowledged.
Above all, the poem reminds the reader that he is a part of this world and that everything is going
exactly as it should be. Therefore, we should always remain positive, and happy for this life is a
beautiful life.
After going through the poem, it is easy to realise why the poem i...


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