# A Ballad of Claremont Hill explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Henry van Dyke Jr..

## What happens

The poem contrasts the noise of the city with the quiet peace of Claremont Hill, where a child's grave becomes a symbol of enduring love and grace that helps bear life's burdens.

## Themes in this chapter

### Spiritual Peace and Rest

The grave on Claremont Hill is described as a 'haven of peace' amidst the city's clamor.

### Grief and Memory

The father's love for his child is preserved in the marble inscription, a century later.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The narrator invites a friend to walk to Claremont Hill, reflecting on the grace found there.

### the Master

Implied as the one who gives the grace that helps bear life's ill.

## Key lines

> There's a glimpse of the grace that helps us all to bear life's ill, A touch of the vital breath That keeps the world from death, A flower that never fades, on the edge of Claremont Hill.

The place offers a glimpse of divine grace that sustains us through suffering and gives life eternal hope.

_The narrator finds spiritual renewal at the gravesite._

> What better praise could we hear, Than this of the child so dear: You have made my life more sweet, on the edge of Claremont Hill?

The highest praise one could receive is to have made another's life sweeter.

_The poem concludes with a reflection on the legacy of love._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/a-ballad-of-claremont-hill
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters