Poem Analysis - The Successful Man Has Thrust Himself

Overall Impression and Tone

The poem The Successful Man Has Thrust Himself by Stephen Crane presents a stark and critical portrayal of a successful individual, highlighting the darker aspects of achievement and ambition. The tone is predominantly cynical and accusatory, with a strong sense of moral judgment. The poem shifts from a description of the man's journey to a condemnation of his actions, revealing a deep-seated critique of societal values and the cost of success.

Themes of Ambition and Moral Corruption

The poem explores the theme of ambition and its moral consequences. The successful man is depicted as someone who has navigated through life, making mistakes and achieving victories, but at a significant cost. The phrase reeking wet with mistakes and bloody mistakes suggests that his journey has been marked by ethical compromises and harmful actions. The imagery of slimed with victories over the lesser implies that his successes have come at the expense of others, highlighting the corrupting influence of ambition.

Themes of Wealth and Exploitation

Another prominent theme is the exploitation of others for personal gain. The successful man buys silken banners and trivial bows with the bones of fools and the skins of wise men, symbolizing how he uses the labor and sacrifices of others to elevate his own status. This imagery underscores the idea that his wealth and success are built on the suffering and exploitation of those around him. The phrase flesh painted with marrow contributes a coverlet further emphasizes the callous use of others' efforts for his own comfort and contentment.

Themes of Hypocrisy and Ignorance

The poem also delves into the theme of hypocrisy and ignorance. The successful man stands heavily on the dead, erect on a pillar of skulls, and declaims his trampling of babes, indicating his disregard for the lives he has affected. His complacent, smiling demeanor and his speeches made in guiltless ignorance and innocence reveal a profound lack of self-awareness and remorse. This hypocrisy is further emphasized by his declaration Thus I defended: Thus I wrought, suggesting that he justifies his actions without acknowledging their true impact.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem is rich with vivid imagery and recurring symbols that reinforce its themes. The water of the years represents the passage of time and the struggles endured. The shore of money symbolizes the ultimate goal of material success, but it is tainted by the man's unethical methods. The bones of fools and the skins of wise men are powerful symbols of exploitation, showing how the successful man has used others to achieve his goals. The pillar of skulls and the trampling of babes are stark images of his disregard for human life and suffering, emphasizing the moral bankruptcy of his success.

Conclusion

The Successful Man Has Thrust Himself by Stephen Crane offers a scathing critique of ambition, wealth, and the moral compromises often made in pursuit of success. Through vivid imagery and powerful symbols, Crane exposes the hypocrisy and ignorance of a man who has achieved material wealth at the expense of others. The poem serves as a cautionary tale about the true cost of success and the importance of ethical integrity. It challenges readers to consider the moral implications of their own ambitions and the values they uphold in their pursuit of achievement.