Analysis of "To An Athlete Dying Young" By A.E. Housman

To an Athlete Dying Young The poem To an Athlete Dying Young by A. E. Housman is a piece about one of the most tragic fates. That fate, of course, is dying at a young age. The first thing that must be determined is who is telling the poem. I believe it is an older man, one who had been a champion of sorts in his younger days. He seems to know and understand what …

…outran" also indicates the theme. That line conveys the message that the fame and glory is only temporary, and it is better to perish before "the name died before the man." The last two stanzas paint a picture that the death was a type of victory for the athlete. He died without the taste of defeat; he died a champion. The theme may be rather ugly, but it is one that many people can understand.