The Last Ride Together

by Robert Browning

Start Free Trial

"All Men Strive, And Who Succeeds?"

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Fair I alone, in words and deeds?
Why, all men strive, and who succeeds?

This poignant reflection captures the speaker's resignation to the reality of his unfulfilled love. He grapples with the dichotomy between effort and achievement, questioning whether he is unique in his failure. By asking "Fair I alone, in words and deeds?" the speaker contemplates whether he is the only one whose actions and intentions have gone unrealized. The subsequent line, "Why, all men strive, and who succeeds?" broadens this personal introspection to a universal level, suggesting that the struggle to achieve one's desires is a common human experience, yet success often remains elusive. This sentiment underscores a key theme in the poem: the unpredictability of life and love. Through this realization, the speaker gains a sort of philosophical solace—recognizing that while he stands among many who strive, the elusive nature of success is a shared human condition.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Next

"The Petty Done, The Undone Vast"

Loading...