Std. XII - 2.4 Have you earned your tomorrow

2.4 Have you earned your tomorrow

Title: Have you earned your tomorrow

1) The title is a verbal question to the readers to rethink the treatment that they are giving to others. It gives hint that we must help people around us. It confirms our bright future.

2) The title tells us ‘as you sow, so you shall reap’. As per the law of Newton what we give to others, it comes back forcefully to us. If we do good in present or in past, it will surely make our tomorrow (future) bright.

3) Today's good investment is tomorrow's gain. We should work honestly for better future.

4) It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from.  Your good actions in the present will always be responsible to lead a good life ahead.

5) The poet is making aware us our duties and responsibilities to gain our fruitful future. Investing something good today means earning everything tomorrow.

About Poet

Edgar Albert Guest was a British-born American poet who was popular in the first half of the 20th century and became known as the People's Poet. His poems often had an inspirational and optimistic view of everyday life. Edgar Guest began his career at the Detroit Free Press in 1895, where he first worked as a copyboy. He was soon promoted to police writer and later to exchange editor. In 1904 he began writing verse for the Free Press under the heading "Chaff."

About the poem:

‘Have you earned your tomorrow’ is an inspirational poem. In this poem, the speaker is asking the readers whether they have done anything to improve the life of another human being or not. It is up to you whether you will have a better future or not. Therefore, one should consider one’s actions and deeds carefully and plan accordingly for a better future.

Figures of speech:

1) Is anybody happier because you passed his way?

Interrogation – A question is asked for emphasis.

Alliteration – The sound of letter of letter ‘h’ is repeated.

2) Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?

Interrogation – A question is asked for emphasis.

Alliteration – The sound of letter ‘t’ is repeated.

3) This day is almost over, and its toiling time is through.

Alliteration – The sound of letter ‘t’ is repeated.

4) Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?

Interrogation – A question is asked for emphasis.

Inversion – The word order is changed.

5)  Did you give a cheerful greeting to the friend who came along?

Interrogation – A question is asked for emphasis.

Alliteration – The sound of letter ‘g’ is repeated.

6) Or a churlish sort of “Howdy" and then vanish in the throng?

Interrogation – A question is asked for emphasis.

7) Were you selfish pure and simple as you rushed along the way.

Alliteration – The sound of letters ‘s’ and ‘w’ are repeated.

Oxymoron – ‘Selfish pure’ opposite words are placed together.

Paradox –‘selfish pure and simple’ the expression seems meaningless.

8) Or is someone mighty grateful for a deed you did today?

Alliteration – The sound of letter ‘d’ repeated.

Interrogation – A question is asked for emphasis..

9) Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said.

Alliteration – The sound of letter ‘s’ repeated.

Synecdoche – The part (heart) refers to a whole (a person). 

10) Does a man whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead?

Interrogation – A question is asked for emphasis.

Presentation on 2.4 Have you earned your tomorrow

Created by -
Prof. Dipak Aher
K.K.Wagh Jr. College,
Nashik