# The Artist explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper.

## What happens

A gifted young artist pours his life and passion into creating a masterpiece, enduring fever and pain to complete his work. Though the crowd later applauds his art, he dies shortly after finishing it, having sacrificed his life for his creation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Resilience and Sacrifice

The artist endures fever and pain, sacrificing his life to create his art.

## Character check-ins

### The Hero

The artist who sacrifices his life to complete his masterpiece.

## Key lines

> He stood before his finished work; His heart beat warm and high; But they who gazed upon the youth Knew well that he must die.

He looked at his completed creation with pride, but the onlookers could see he was dying.

_The artist's triumph is shadowed by his impending death._

> The statue seemed to glow with life⁠— A costly work of art; For it he paid the fervent blood From his own eager heart.

The statue appeared alive, but its creation cost the artist his very lifeblood.

_The sacrifice of the artist is emphasized._

> And when the plaudits of the crowd Came like the south wind’s breath, The dreamy, gifted child of art Had closed his eyes in death.

As the applause arrived gently like a breeze, the young artist had already died.

_The artist's death coincides with the recognition of his work._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-artist
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters