THE TRULY GREAT – Stephen Spender.
             Honour, tribute and commemoration are the central concerns of the poem 'The Truly Great.' Stephen Spender teaches the reader lessons involving these themes throughout the poem, the primary lesson being the celebration of the "truly great". Numerous poetic methods, such as metaphors, contrast and personification aide the reader to interpret these themes and lessons. "The Truly Great" refers to the great poets, artists and writers of the past.
             'The Truly Great' is a lyric poem, the personal feelings and inner thoughts of the poet are expressed. In this poem, the reader sees that Stephen spender feels that the past poets, and writers should be celebrated. The poem is written in free verse, with no rhyme scheme or pattern. This is appropriate to commemorate the free spirits of the "truly great."
             Stephen spender wrote this poem in three stanzas. The first stanza tells what is "great" about these artists, and the second points a lesson and states what it is these people are fighting for, the smothering of ignorance. The third, final stanza tells the reader to remember, glorify and recognize the significance of the poets and writers.
             "The" in the title of this poem, 'The Truly Great' is a definite article, suggesting that Spender is referring to specific people. "Truly" creates a depth of feeling and emotion, and portrays a sense of genuineness and sincerity. "Great" in the title implies power and importance.
             The poem 'The Truly Great' is written in first person. The first word, "I" tells the reader this poem is lyrical, and a personal view of the poet, Spender.
             The past tense "were" creates a sense of history and past. The reader knows that spender is referring to the "truly great" of the past.
             Spender uses a hyperbole and paradox in the lin...