Say not the Struggle Nought Availeth" by Arthur Hugh Clough: Summary & Analysis

"Say not the Struggle Nought Availeth" by Arthur Hugh Clough is a poem that captures the spirit of resilience and determination. Written during the mid-19th century, Clough's words speak to the heart of anyone who has faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The poem encourages us to keep going, to believe that our efforts are not wasted, even when success isn't immediately visible. With its powerful imagery and hopeful tone, this poem reminds us that perseverance often pays off in unexpected ways. It's a timeless piece that continues to inspire those who feel like giving up.

Say not, the struggle nought availeth,
The labour and the wounds are vain,
The enemy faints not, nor faileth,
And as things have been they remain.
If hopes were dupes, fears may be liars;
It may be, in yon smoke concealed,
Your comrades chase e'en now the fliers,
And, but for you, possess the field.
For while the tired waves, vainly breaking,
Seem here no painful inch to gain,
Far back, through creeks and inlets making,
Comes silent, flooding in, the main.
And not by eastern windows only,
When daylight comes, comes in the light,
In front, the sun climbs slow, how slowly,
But westward, look, the land is bright.

Quick Facts

Summary of "Say not the Struggle Nought Availeth"

"Say not the Struggle Nought Availeth" is a poem that encourages perseverance in the face of adversity. Clough tells readers not to despair, even when their efforts seem fruitless. The first stanza sets the tone by urging against the idea that struggle is useless, emphasizing that even when the enemy appears strong, the situation is not hopeless. The second stanza reassures that what seems like failure might actually be a step towards victory. Clough uses the metaphor of waves and tides in the third stanza to illustrate how progress can be gradual and unseen at first, but still inevitable.

The final stanza of the poem shifts to a more optimistic perspective, comparing the slow but certain rise of the sun to the eventual success that comes after persistent effort. Clough’s message is clear: do not give up, for there is light at the end of the tunnel. This poem resonates with anyone who has faced difficulties, reminding them that their struggles are not in vain and that success, though slow, is on the horizon. The poem's rhythmic structure and use of natural imagery make its message both powerful and relatable.

In its entirety, "Say not the Struggle Nought Availeth" serves as a motivational anthem for those facing challenges. Clough's words offer comfort and encouragement, assuring us that every effort counts, even when the results are not immediately visible. The poem’s timeless appeal lies in its universal message of hope and perseverance, making it a favorite among readers who seek inspiration and reassurance in tough times.

Themes in "Say not the Struggle Nought Availeth"

• Perseverance: The poem's core message revolves around the importance of perseverance. Clough encourages readers to keep pushing forward, even when progress seems slow or non-existent. He suggests that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to a larger victory.
• Hope: Clough’s poem is infused with hope, reminding us that things are not always as they seem. Just because success isn’t immediately visible doesn’t mean it isn’t coming. The imagery of the rising sun and the incoming tide beautifully encapsulates this theme, offering a sense of optimism.
• Resilience: The poem also highlights the theme of resilience, showing that true strength lies in the ability to keep going despite setbacks. Clough’s words inspire readers to maintain their resolve, reassuring them that their struggles are not in vain.

Critical Analysis of "Say not the Struggle Nought Availeth"

"Say not the Struggle Nought Availeth" is a masterful example of Victorian poetry that combines a strong moral message with vivid imagery. Clough's use of metaphors, such as the waves and the sun, adds depth to the poem’s exploration of perseverance and hope. The poem’s structure, with its four quatrains, provides a rhythmic and reassuring cadence that mirrors the steady, unrelenting march of time and effort. The language is straightforward yet evocative, making the poem accessible while also deeply resonant.

The poem’s effectiveness lies in its ability to connect with readers on a personal level. Clough taps into the universal experience of struggle and the fear that our efforts might be in vain. By offering a counter-narrative to these fears, the poem serves as a source of comfort and motivation. The imagery of light breaking through darkness, both literally and metaphorically, reinforces the idea that perseverance leads to eventual triumph, even if the journey is slow and arduous.

Another notable aspect of the poem is its balance between realism and idealism. Clough does not shy away from acknowledging the difficulties and setbacks that accompany any struggle. However, he tempers this realism with a strong undercurrent of optimism, suggesting that while the path may be difficult, it ultimately leads to a brighter future. This balanced approach makes the poem not only inspiring but also credible, as it speaks to both the challenges and the rewards of perseverance.

Literary Devices in "Say not the Struggle Nought Availeth"

• Imagery: The poem is rich with visual imagery, from the "tired waves, vainly breaking" to the "sun climbs slow, how slowly." These images help to paint a picture of the struggle and eventual success, making the poem’s message more vivid and relatable.
• Metaphor: Clough’s use of metaphors, such as comparing the progress of waves to the slow but steady advances of a battle, adds layers of meaning to the poem. These metaphors illustrate the poem’s themes of perseverance and hope, helping readers to understand that even when progress seems small or non-existent, it is still being made.
• Alliteration: The poem employs alliteration to create a musical quality that enhances its rhythmic flow. Phrases like "faints not, nor faileth" and "far back, through creeks and inlets making" use alliteration to draw attention to key ideas and reinforce the poem’s overall tone of resilience and determination.

Stylistic Analysis of "Say not the Struggle Nought Availeth"

Stylistically, "Say not the Struggle Nought Availeth" is characterized by its traditional quatrain structure and consistent rhyme scheme. The poem’s ABAB rhyme scheme creates a sense of order and predictability, which mirrors the steady, persistent efforts it describes. This structure also contributes to the poem’s reassuring tone, as it reinforces the idea that perseverance leads to positive outcomes.

Clough’s language is formal yet accessible, making the poem both elegant and relatable. He uses a mix of short, impactful lines and longer, descriptive ones to create a dynamic rhythm that keeps the reader engaged. The shifts between describing struggle and hinting at eventual success add a sense of progression, reflecting the poem’s themes of gradual but certain progress.

Overall, the style of "Say not the Struggle Nought Availeth" enhances its message of resilience and hope. The poem’s structure, language, and use of literary devices all work together to create a piece that is both inspiring and comforting, offering readers a timeless reminder that their efforts are never in vain.