# For the Friends at Hurstmont explained — Poetry

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

## What happens

A poetic tribute to the virtues of a well-built home, celebrating truth, honor, faith, love, and friendship as the foundations of a happy and enduring household.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

The fire upon the hearth is Love, and life is made for love and cheer.

### Faith and Doubt

The roof of Faith is built above, and the house shall never fall despite storms.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker who extols the virtues of the house and its hearth.

## Key lines

> The cornerstone in Truth is laid, The guardian walls of Honour made, The roof of Faith is built above, The fire upon the hearth is Love

The house is founded on truth, protected by honor, sheltered by faith, and warmed by love.

_Describes the symbolic construction of a virtuous home._

> The lintel low enough to keep out pomp and pride: The threshold high enough to turn deceit aside

The entrance is designed to exclude arrogance and dishonesty.

_Emphasizes humility and integrity as gatekeepers of the home._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/for-the-friends-at-hurstmont
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters