‘Be a Friend’ Poem Explanation, Summary, Poetic Devices

“Be a Friend” is a beautiful poem by Edgar Guest. It highlights the importance of cultivating friendship. Here you would find a comprehensive study matter like line-by-line stanza wise explanations, summary, poetic devices, glossary, central idea and message in the poem “Be a Friend”. Click here to see the Q/Ans. (Lavender Class 6)

Poem: “Be a friend”

Be a friend. You don’t need money:
Just a disposition sunny;
Just the wish to help another
Get along some way or other;

Just a kindly hand extended
Out to one who’s unbefriended;
Just the will to give or lend,
This will make you someone’s friend.

Be a friend. You don’t need glory.
Friendship is a simple story.
Pass by trifling errors blindly,
Gaze on honest effort kindly,

Cheer the youth who’s bravely trying,
Pity him who’s sadly sighing;
Just a little labor spend
On the duties of a friend.

Be a friend. The pay is bigger
(Though not written by a figure)
Than is earned by people clever
In what’s merely self-endeavor.

You’ll have friends instead of neighbors
For the profits of your labors;
You’ll be richer in the end
Than a prince, if you’re a friend.

Edgar Guest

Vocabulary

Stanza: 1

• disposition: general mood or temperament, Here, it means being cheerful and friendly.
• sunny: happy and bright.
• wish: a desire to do something (sunny = cheerful and optimistic).
• another: one more person.
• get along (verb phrase): to manage in life, to do well.
• kindly: friendly and helpful.
• extended: reached out.
• unbefriended: without friends.
• lend: to give something to someone with the expectation of getting it back.

Stanza: 2

• glory: great fame or honor.
• simple story (idiom): something that is easy to understand.
• trifling: unimportant, insignificant or minor.
• errors: mistakes.
• blindly: without paying attention.
• gaze: to look steadily at something.
• effort: the act of trying hard to do something.
• cheer: to encourage or support someone.
• youth: a young person.
• bravely: in a way that shows courage.
• pity (verb): to feel sorry for someone.
• duties (noun): things you should do.

Stanza 3:

• pay: reward or benefit. Here, it refers to the emotional reward of friendship.
• bigger: greater in amount or size.
• written by a figure (phrase): not showing any numerical value or amount (because it’s emotional reward).
• clever: intelligent and good at using your brain.
• self-endeavor: something you do for yourself only.
• profits: benefits or advantages. Here, it refers to the emotional gain of friendship.
• richer: having more money or possessions.

Summary & Message

The poem “Be a Friend” by Edgar Guest is a simple yet powerful message about the importance and rewards of friendship. Here’s a summary:

• Friendship is accessible to everyone: The poem emphasizes that money isn’t a barrier to friendship. All you need is a positive attitude, a willingness to help others, and a kind heart.
• Simple acts build strong bonds: Reaching out to those who might be lonely, offering help when needed, and overlooking minor flaws are all ways to cultivate friendships.
• True friends offer support and encouragement: The poem highlights the importance of cheering on someone’s efforts, showing compassion in tough times, and being a reliable presence.
• Friendship is the greatest wealth: The poem concludes with the powerful message that the emotional rewards of friendship far outweigh any material gain. Having true friends who become like family is a form of wealth that surpasses the riches of a prince.

The poem encourages that it’s not enough to just want to be a friend; you need to actively show kindness, offer support, and be there for others to build a genuine friendly connection. It further emphasizes that the true wealth in life comes from having strong connections with others. The poem emphasizes the importance of taking action.

Central Idea

The central idea of the poem “Be a Friend” by Edgar Guest is that genuine friendship is characterized by simple acts of kindness, compassion, and support. The poem emphasizes that being a friend doesn’t require material wealth or grand gestures; rather, it calls for a disposition of cheerfulness, a willingness to help others, and a commitment to overlook minor faults while appreciating sincere efforts. Through its exploration of the value of friendship, the poem suggests that the rewards of genuine companionship far outweigh any material gains, enriching one’s life in profound ways.

Stanza Wise Explanations

The poem comprises three stanzas but as per the book (Lavender Class 6) it is shown having 6 stanzas so here we are following the same pattern Let’s break down the poem “Be a Friend” by Edgar Guest stanza by stanza:

Stanza 1 &2: Be Kind and Helpful

Be a friend. You don't need money:
Just a disposition sunny;
Just the wish to help another
Get along some way or other;

• Lines 1-2: This opening line directly states the poem’s theme. It emphasizes that friendship doesn’t require wealth, but rather a positive and cheerful attitude.
• Lines 3-4: This clarifies that being a friend involves a genuine desire to assist others, even in small ways, to navigate life’s challenges.

This stanza suggests that being a friend doesn’t require financial resources. Instead, it calls for a cheerful attitude and a genuine desire to assist others in any way possible.

This stanza employs a simple, direct language to convey its message. The repetition of “just” emphasizes the simplicity of the actions required to be a friend. The use of “disposition sunny” paints a picture of a bright, optimistic attitude, suggesting that positivity is a key component of friendship.

Just a kindly hand extended
Out to one who's unbefriended;
Just the will to give or lend,
This will make you someone's friend.

• Here, the poem provides concrete examples of how to be a friend. Offering a helping hand to someone alone, being willing to share or lend what you can, are all actions that foster friendships.

Here, the poem emphasizes the simplicity of being a friend. It emphasizes extending a helping hand to those who may feel alone or in need. It suggests that simple acts of kindness and generosity are what foster friendships.

The imagery of extending a “kindly hand” creates a visual of reaching out to someone in need. The word “unbefriended” evokes a sense of loneliness or isolation. The stanza suggests that acts of kindness and generosity are what create bonds of friendship, emphasizing the importance of empathy and compassion.

ये कविता दोस्ती के सच्चे अर्थ को दर्शाती है। इसमें बताया गया है कि दोस्त बनने के लिए धन-दौलत या शोहरत की नहीं, बल्कि कुछ और चीजों की ज़रूरत होती है।

• दोस्त बनने के लिए आपको ढेर सारा पैसा होने की ज़रूरत नहीं है।
• बस एक खुशमिजाज़ स्वभाव (sunny disposition) होना चाहिए।
• दूसरों की मदद करने की इच्छा (wish to help another) ज़रूरी है ताकि उनकी ज़िंदगी थोड़ी आसान हो सके।
• किसी अकेले व्यक्ति (one who’s unbefriended) का साथ देने के लिए दयालु हाथ (kindly hand) बढ़ाना चाहिए।
• देने या उधार देने की इच्छा (the will to give or lend) यानी मदद के लिए तैयार रहें।
• ये सब आपको किसी का सच्चा दोस्त बनाती है।

Stanza 3 & 4: Be Understanding and Supportive

Be a friend. You don't need glory.
Friendship is a simple story.
Pass by trifling errors blindly,
Gaze on honest effort kindly,

• Lines 9-10: “Be a friend. You don’t need glory. Friendship is a simple story” – This line reiterates that friendship is not about seeking recognition, but about building genuine connections.
• Lines 11-12: “Pass by trifling errors blindly, Gaze on honest effort kindly” – This emphasizes the importance of overlooking small mistakes. A true friend focuses on a person’s sincere effort rather than getting hung up on minor flaws.

This stanza emphasizes that being a friend isn’t about seeking recognition or praise. Instead, it’s about appreciating the simplicity of friendship and overlooking minor mistakes while acknowledging sincere efforts.

This stanza employs a metaphorical language, comparing friendship to a “simple story.” It suggests that genuine friendship doesn’t require grand gestures or elaborate displays. The phrases “Pass by trifling errors blindly” and “Gaze on honest effort kindly” encourage a forgiving and understanding attitude towards others, emphasizing the importance of empathy in maintaining friendships.

Cheer the youth who's bravely trying,
Pity him who's sadly sighing;
Just a little labor spend
On the duties of a friend.

• Lines 13-14: This highlights the role of encouragement and empathy. A friend celebrates another’s attempts and offers compassion for their struggles.
• Line 15: This line suggests that friendship requires some effort. We need to actively invest time and care into our relationships with others.

The stanza encourages supporting those who are making efforts, even if they are not always successful. It also suggests showing compassion towards those who are struggling. The phrase “duties of a friend” implies that being a friend involves effort and commitment.

The stanza continues to emphasize the importance of encouragement and support in friendship. The contrast between “cheer” and “pity” highlights the different ways one can offer assistance to friends. The phrase “duties of a friend” suggests that being a friend involves active engagement and effort.

• दोस्ती के लिए शोहरत (glory) की ज़रूरत नहीं है।
• सच्ची दोस्ती सरल होती है। (simple story) है।
• दछोटी-मोटी गलतियों (trifling errors) को नज़रअंदाज़ करें
• दूसरों की ईमानदारी से की गई कोशिशों (honest effort) को सराहें।
• हिम्मत से कोशिश करने वाले युवाओं (youth who’s bravely trying) का हौसला बढ़ाएँ और
• दुखी व्यक्ति (him who’s sadly sighing) पर दया दिखाएं यानी दुखी व्यक्ति का साथ दें, सहानुभूति रखें ।
• दोस्ती निभाने के अपने फर्ज़ (duties of a friend) को पूरा करने में थोड़ा सा प्रयास (labour) करें।

Stanza 5 & 6: The True Reward of Friendship

Be a friend. The pay is bigger
(Though not written by a figure)
Than is earned by people clever
In what's merely self-endeavor.

• This stanza uses a metaphor to highlight the value of friendship. It suggests that the emotional rewards of being a friend are far greater than any material gain achieved through self-serving actions.

This stanza suggests that the rewards of friendship are more valuable than any material wealth. It contrasts the selflessness of friendship with the pursuit of personal gain.

This stanza employs a metaphorical comparison between the rewards of friendship and monetary compensation. It suggests that the benefits of genuine friendship cannot be quantified by material means. The phrase “not written by a figure” implies that these rewards cannot be measured in tangible terms but are nonetheless significant.

You'll have friends instead of neighbors
For the profits of your labors;
You'll be richer in the end
Than a prince, if you're a friend.

• This concludes the poem with a powerful statement. By investing in friendships, one gains a true sense of wealth and connection. Having friends who are like family is far more valuable than any riches a prince might possess.

This final stanza reinforces the idea that true wealth lies in the relationships we build and the connections we foster. It suggests that friendships are more valuable than mere acquaintances or material possessions. Being a friend enriches one’s life in ways that surpass monetary wealth.

The stanza concludes the poem by reinforcing the idea that the true value of friendship transcends material wealth. The contrast between “friends” and “neighbors” suggests that friendships are deeper and more meaningful relationships. The final line emphasizes that being a friend brings a wealth of fulfillment and happiness that surpasses any royal fortune.

• दोस्ती का फल (pay) भले ही किसी कागज़ पर किसी संख्या के रूप में लिखा हुआ न हो, लेकिन यह बहुत ही मूल्यवान (bigger) होता है, यानी एक अच्छे दोस्त के होने का फायदा पैसों से कहीं ज्यादा होता है।
• यह उन लोगों से कहीं ज़्यादा फायदेमंद है जो सिर्फ अपने लिए (self-endeavor) कामयाबी हासिल करने में लगे रहते हैं।
• आपको पड़ोसी (neighbors) नहीं बल्कि सच्चे दोस्त मिलेंगे।
• अंत में आप किसी राजकुमार से भी ज़्यादा अमीर होंगे, अगर आप एक अच्छे दोस्त हैं, यानी आप अपने को किसी राजकुमार से काम नहीं समझेंगे या पाएंगे ।

इस कविता का संदेश साफ है कि सच्ची दोस्ती दिल से होती है। इसमें धन-दौलत या शोहरत की कोई भूमिका नहीं होती। बस थोड़ी सी मेहनत, दयालुता और दूसरों की मदद करने की भावना ही एक मज़बूत दोस्ती की नींव रखती है।

Key Points of the Poem ‘Be a Friend”

This poem is a straightforward guide to building friendships. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

• Friendship doesn’t require wealth: You don’t need money or possessions to be a good friend.
• Kindness is key: A positive attitude, a willingness to help others, and a friendly hand go a long way.
• Overlook small mistakes: Everyone makes them. Focus on a person’s genuine effort rather than minor flaws.
• Offer support and encouragement: Cheer on those who are trying and show compassion to those who are down.
• Friendship is rewarding: The act of being a good friend brings more satisfaction than selfish pursuits.
• True wealth lies in friendship: Having strong connections with others makes you richer than any material possessions.

Literary Devices in “Be a Friend”

The poem uses some simple literary devices to enhance its message:

• Rhyme scheme:  The poem follows an AABB CC DD rhyme scheme, where the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyme.
• Direct Address: The poem directly addresses the reader with “you” throughout. This creates a sense of conversation and makes the advice feel personal.
• Repetition: The constant refrain “Be a friend” emphasizes the central message of importance of friendship which makes the poem catchy.
• Anaphora: The poem utilizes repetition to emphasize its central message. The word “just” is repeated at the beginning of multiple lines in each stanza, emphasizing the simplicity of being a friend.
• Alliteration: Alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, is used in phrases like “Out to one,” “simple story,” and”sadly sighing,” which adds rhythm and musicality to the poem.
• Symbolism: Friendship is symbolized as a source of wealth and fulfillment throughout the poem, contrasting it with material possessions and emphasizing its value in enriching one’s life.
• Metaphor: In the last stanza, the poem uses a metaphor when it compares the emotional reward of friendship (“pay”) to something more tangible like money (“figure”) i.e the phrase “written by a figure” metaphorically represents the idea of quantifying the rewards of friendship in terms of financial gain. This helps make the abstract concept of friendship’s value more relatable.
  “Friendship is a simple story” compares friendship to a story, emphasizing its straightforward and uncomplicated nature.
• Imperative Mood: The poem uses many verbs in the imperative mood, like “Be a friend,” “get along,”, “Pass by,” “Cheer,” etc. This creates a sense of direction and encourages the reader to actively practice friendship or to take action and be a good friend.
• Imagery: The poem uses vivid imagery to evoke emotions and create visual pictures in the reader’s mind. For example, the phrase “a disposition sunny” paints a picture of a cheerful and optimistic attitude, while “a kindly hand extended” creates an image of offering help to someone in need.
• Personification: The poem personifies friendship by attributing human qualities to it. For example, friendship is described as having a “simple story” and being capable of providing “pay” or rewards.