# The Ballad of the Solemn Ass explained — Poetry

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

## What happens

A humorous ballad recited at the Century Club on Twelfth Night 1906, telling the story of a discontented donkey that accompanied the Wise Men of the East, whose constant complaints and recalcitrance led to his dismissal, yet he continues to wander the world. The poem concludes with a toast to friendship and cheer, leaving the solemn ass outside.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Pilgrimage of Life

The journey of the Wise Men and the donkey symbolizes the challenges and choices along life's road.

### Duty and Patriotism

The poem contrasts the donkey's refusal to cooperate with the cheerful duty of the Wise Men and the toast to Centuria.

## Character check-ins

### Balthazar

One of the Wise Men who proposes dismissing the troublesome donkey.

### Unknown

The narrator reciting the ballad at the Century Club.

## Key lines

> Man cannot live by verse alone, he must have cakes and ale.

People need more than poetry; they also need physical pleasures and enjoyment.

_A humorous nod to the necessity of both art and earthly delights._

> The road of life is long, we know, and often hard to find, And yet there’s many a pleasant turn for men of cheerful mind.

Life's journey is difficult and uncertain, but a positive attitude reveals many enjoyable moments.

_Emphasizes the theme of cheerful resilience._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/the-ballad-of-the-solemn-ass
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters