To Be Of Use

One of the key themes of “To Be of Use” is the idea that it is necessary to persevere during difficulties to have a life worth living. This is both outwardly stated and heavily implied by imagery utilized within the text.

The speaker likes those people who “jump into work” (Line 2) and show enthusiasm for their pursuit. Even more, they admire those who “swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight” (Line 4). This image suggests going the distance in a certain fashion. The swimmer swims until they are competent, their effort nearly hidden from view, long lasting and confident.

This idea of extended effort is also shown by the comparison to the ox with “massive patience” (Line 9). Patience is a quality naturally associated with waiting, the opposite of instant gratification. Even though there is “pull[ing]” (Line 9) and “strain[ing]” (Line 10), oxlike workers complete their tasks “again and again” (Line 11). They do what “has to be done” (Line 11) and do not quit, even when it is not easy.

This quality of determination is also in the workers in the field who “pass bags along” (Line 14) as they stand “in a row” (Line 14), a task that requires long-term repetitive action.