Explanation of the poem: "What then?"

Stanza 1: 

The poet describes the life of a talented hardworking schoolboy, living a disciplined life. He gained a great fund of knowledge. He dreamed of being famous and popular but it was nothing in the eyes of Plato- a Greek philosopher of the fifth century BC. He was ambitious and determined to achieve his goals. He was obedient and studious but it was not an extraordinary thing that should be boasted off.

Stanza 2: 

He not only earned sufficient money to fulfill his requirements but also found sincere and loyal friends. He became a writer by profession. During his lifetime he achieved such perfection in his art that other great writers and scholars were attracted towards him. Plato’s ghost seemed ungratified by these achievements and protests that it is not something worth declaring. Plato did a lot better than this and stands in a position to say that it was not a remarkable victory, nothing extraordinary. It was only the fulfillment of needs and nothing more.

Stanza 3: 

All his dreams materialize. Intellectuals from all around the world come to him. He has a spouse and kids. He became a scholar, enjoying the company of other great scholars. But Plato’s ghost representing all philosophers and thinkers was not impressed. This success did not make any difference in the world. The poet advises to continue working hard.

Stanza 4: 

The old man now calls himself remarkable, honorable and experienced. He sits applauding his success. He did not let silly people protesting in vehemence and criticizing him deviate him from his purpose. Thus he considered himself perfection. He thought this his last stage of life surrounded by fame and glamour. His disciplined life bringing some perfection to the world and the mission completed. But Plato’s ghost is disappointed. Fame and success disgust him. This struggle and hard work did not provide any perfection. Perfection can never be achieved. Each coming generation is going to bring more discoveries. It is never the end and never too late.