Question

how does the quote "Every man has two deaths, when he is buried in the ground and the last time someone says his name. In some ways men can be immortal." relate to the poem "To an Athlete Dying Young" by A.E. Housman and within the topic of sports ?

Answer 1

In the poem "To an Athlete Dying Young" by A.E. Housman, the author talks about an athlete who dies at the height of his popularity and success. Most people find this situation sad, as the man was very young and most likely had much to live for still. However, the author argues that such a death does not necessarily need to be tragic. He tells us that the fact that the athlete died young means that he will forever be remembered as a success, and as the best version of himself.

This relates to the quote, as the quote also states that a death is only meaningful if a person is forgotten. However, as long as a person is remembered, the person is immortal. This means that the death is meaningless, and that glory can save a person from death.