Student Question
Why is the village blacksmith admired?
Quick answer:
The village blacksmith is admired as a Romantic hero representing the common man. He is strong and hardworking, toiling from dawn to dusk without owing anyone. Despite his tough exterior, he has a soft side, attending church and showing emotion for his deceased mother. His life embodies hard work, joy, and sorrow, inspiring the speaker to emulate his dedication and integrity, suggesting that everyone should strive to live similarly.
The village blacksmith represents a key element of the Romantic period, the common man as hero. He's a common man who is all mankind:
The smith, a mighty man is he,
With large and sinewy hands;
And the muscles of his brawny arms
Are strong as iron bands. (3-6)
The smith works an honest job, working from sun up to sun down, working at his own business and not owing a single man.
There is also a soft side to the smith; "He goes on Sunday to the church" (25), and he has a daughter who sings at church. And when he thinks of his mother who has died, "with his hard, rough hand he wipes / A tear out of his eyes" (35-36). Thus the smith shows it all--"Toiling,—rejoicing,—sorrowing"--and for that the speaker praises him (37). The speaker wants to emulate this hero who works all day at the fire, completing a job every day and rejoicing in that work. Thus, the speaker believes we should all live our lives as the blacksmith does.
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