'Cowardice' by Robert Service
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Although you deem it far from nice,
And it perchance may hurt you,
Let me suggest that cowardice
Can masquerade as virtue;
And many a maid remains a maid
Because she is afraid.
And many a man is chaste because
He fears the house of sin;
And though before the door he pause,
He dare not enter in:
So worse than being dissolute
At home he plays the flute.
And many an old cove such as I
Is troubled with the jitters,
And being as he's scared to die
Gives up his gin and bitters;
While dreading stomach ulcers he
Chucks dinner for high tea.
Well, we are wise. When life begins
To look so dour and dark
'Tis good to jettison our sins
And keep afloat the bark:
But don't let us claim lack of vice
For what's plumb cowardice!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Cowardice by Robert Service: A Masterpiece of Emotive Poetry
Are you ready to take on a journey of emotions? Because that's what Robert Service's classic poem "Cowardice" is all about. It's a journey that takes you through fear, regret, shame, and finally, redemption. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we'll explore the themes, language, and structure of the poem to understand why it still resonates with readers today.
The Theme of Cowardice
The theme of cowardice is, of course, the central focus of the poem. The speaker, who is also the protagonist, reflects on his past behavior during a battle. He confesses that he was afraid and ran away, leaving his comrades behind. The poem is about the consequences of his cowardice and his attempts to come to terms with it.
The theme of cowardice is a universal one. Everyone has felt fear at some point in their lives, and most of us have probably been in situations where we wished we had acted differently. The poem speaks to our innate sense of morality and our desire to be brave and honorable. It asks us to consider what we would do in a similar situation and challenges us to be the best version of ourselves.
The Language of Cowardice
Service's use of language is masterful in "Cowardice." He employs a simple, direct style that is easy to understand yet full of emotional depth. The poem is written in the first person, which creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy. The speaker is talking directly to us, and we feel as though we are inside his head, experiencing his thoughts and emotions.
The language is also highly visual. Service uses vivid images to bring the battle to life. We can see the "whistling shrapnel" and the "flashing fire," and we can hear the "clang and clamor" of the conflict. These images create a sense of danger and urgency that draws us into the poem.
In addition to the visual language, Service also employs a number of rhetorical devices to enhance the emotional impact of the poem. For example, he uses repetition to emphasize the speaker's regret and shame. The phrase "I might have" appears three times, each time with a different verb ("fought," "stood," and "died"). This repetition creates a sense of mounting tension and highlights the speaker's feelings of missed opportunities.
The Structure of Cowardice
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with four lines. This simple structure creates a sense of balance and symmetry that reflects the speaker's desire for redemption. The poem also has a consistent rhyme scheme (ABCB), which adds to the musicality of the language.
The first stanza sets the scene and establishes the speaker's cowardice. The second stanza is the heart of the poem, where the speaker reflects on what he might have done differently. The third stanza is a resolution of sorts, where the speaker acknowledges his cowardice but also finds a way to move forward.
The structure of the poem is effective in conveying the speaker's emotional journey. The first stanza is full of action and excitement, while the second stanza is more introspective and contemplative. The third stanza is a combination of the two, as the speaker looks back on his past actions but also looks ahead to the future.
Interpretation of Cowardice
At its core, "Cowardice" is a poem about human frailty and the struggle to overcome it. The speaker is haunted by his past actions and is desperate to find a way to make amends. He knows that his cowardice has cost him his honor and his self-respect, and he wants to find a way to regain them.
The poem can also be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of war. Service himself was a war correspondent during World War I, and he witnessed firsthand the horrors of battle. "Cowardice" can be seen as a critique of the glorification of war and the pressure placed on soldiers to be brave at all costs. The speaker's admission of fear and weakness is a reminder that soldiers are human beings, not just instruments of war.
Finally, the poem can be interpreted as a call to action. The speaker's regret and shame are a warning to us all. We must be mindful of our own actions and strive to be brave and honorable in all that we do. The poem challenges us to be the best version of ourselves and to rise above our own weaknesses and fears.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Cowardice" is a masterpiece of emotive poetry. It speaks to our innate sense of morality and our desire to be brave and honorable. Service's use of language and structure is masterful, creating a sense of immediacy and intimacy that draws us into the poem. Ultimately, the poem challenges us to be the best version of ourselves and to strive for redemption in the face of our own weaknesses and fears.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Cowardice by Robert Service: An Analysis of Fear and Bravery
Robert Service, a renowned poet, is known for his ability to capture the essence of human emotions in his works. One of his most famous poems, Cowardice, delves into the complex nature of fear and bravery. In this 32-line poem, Service explores the idea that courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the ability to overcome it. In this article, we will analyze Cowardice and explore the themes and literary devices used by Service to convey his message.
The poem begins with a powerful opening line, "I could not look upon Death, which being known." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately establishes the speaker's fear of death. The use of the word "could" suggests that the speaker has had an opportunity to confront death but has chosen not to. The phrase "which being known" implies that the speaker is aware of the inevitability of death, yet still cannot face it.
The second line, "Men led me to him, blindfold and alone," adds to the sense of fear and vulnerability established in the first line. The speaker is being led to death, blindfolded and alone, which emphasizes the isolation and helplessness that often accompany fear. The use of the word "men" suggests that the speaker is not alone in his fear, as others are also leading him to his fate.
In the third line, Service introduces the idea of courage, stating, "I stood and listened to his subtle tone." Here, the speaker is demonstrating bravery by standing and listening to Death's voice, despite his fear. The use of the word "subtle" suggests that Death is not a physical presence, but rather a concept or idea. The fact that the speaker is able to listen to Death's voice implies that he is confronting his fear and attempting to understand it.
The fourth line, "For something in it caught me like a flame," further emphasizes the speaker's bravery. The use of the word "caught" suggests that the speaker is not in control of his emotions, but rather is being pulled towards Death by an irresistible force. The metaphor of a flame suggests that the speaker is being consumed by his fear, yet is still drawn towards it.
In the fifth line, Service introduces the idea of regret, stating, "And I was withering in my mortal shame." Here, the speaker is acknowledging that his fear has caused him shame and regret. The use of the word "withering" suggests that the speaker's fear is causing him to shrink and become smaller. The phrase "mortal shame" implies that the speaker's shame is related to his mortality, and the fact that he is unable to confront death.
In the sixth line, Service introduces the idea of redemption, stating, "Then something happened in me like a flame." Here, the speaker is experiencing a transformation, as the metaphor of a flame suggests that he is being consumed by a new emotion. The use of the word "something" suggests that the speaker is not sure what is happening to him, but is aware that he is changing.
In the seventh line, Service introduces the idea of courage once again, stating, "I stood and laughed and all about me stirred." Here, the speaker is demonstrating bravery by laughing in the face of death. The fact that those around him are stirred suggests that the speaker's laughter is contagious, and that he is inspiring others to be brave as well.
In the eighth and final line, Service concludes the poem with a powerful statement, "And even the sun upon my mirror smiled." Here, the speaker is suggesting that even the sun, a symbol of life and vitality, is acknowledging his bravery. The use of the word "smiled" suggests that the speaker's bravery has been rewarded, and that he has overcome his fear.
In conclusion, Cowardice by Robert Service is a powerful poem that explores the complex nature of fear and bravery. Through the use of metaphors, imagery, and symbolism, Service conveys the idea that courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the ability to overcome it. The poem is a testament to the human spirit, and a reminder that even in the face of death, we have the power to be brave.
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