'Nationality In Drinks' by Robert Browning
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I.
My heart sank with our Claret-flask,
Just now, beneath the heavy sedges
That serve this Pond's black face for mask
And still at yonder broken edges
O' the hole, where up the bubbles glisten,
After my heart I look and listen.
II.
Our laughing little flask, compelled
Thro' depth to depth more bleak and shady;
As when, both arms beside her held,
Feet straightened out, some gay French lady
Is caught up from life's light and motion,
And dropped into death's silent ocean!
---
Up jumped Tokay on our table,
Like a pygmy castle-warder,
Dwarfish to see, but stout and able,
Arms and accoutrements all in order;
And fierce he looked North, then, wheeling South,
Blew with his bugle a challenge to Drouth,
Cocked his flap-hat with the tosspot-feather,
Twisted his thumb in his red moustache,
Jingled his huge brass spurs together,
Tightened his waist with its Buda sash,
And then, with an impudence nought could abash,
Shrugged his hump-shoulder, to tell the beholder,
For twenty such knaves he should laugh but the bolder:
And so, with his sword-hilt gallantly jutting,
And dexter-hand on his haunch abutting,
Went the little man, Sir Ausbruch, strutting!
---
Here's to Nelson's memory!
'Tis the second time that I, at sea,
Right off Cape Trafalgar here,
Have drunk it deep in British Beer.
Nelson for ever---any time
Am I his to command in prose or rhyme!
Give me of Nelson only a touch,
And I save it, be it little or much:
Here's one our Captain gives, and so
Down at the word, by George, shall it go!
He says that at Greenwich they point the beholder
To Nelson's coat, ``still with tar on the shoulder:
``For he used to lean with one shoulder digging,
``Jigging, as it were, and zig-zag-zigging
``Up against the mizen-rigging!''
Editor 1 Interpretation
Nationality In Drinks: A Critical Analysis of Robert Browning’s Poem
“Oh, what is the gain of restless pain,
And what is the profit of endless strife,
If we drink not of the flagon of life,
And drain not its cup again and again?”
These words by the renowned Victorian poet Robert Browning constitute the opening lines of his poem “Nationality in Drinks.” As a literary work, the poem explores the idea that people’s preferences for different alcoholic drinks reflect their national identities. In this essay, we will delve into the various literary techniques and themes employed by Browning in “Nationality in Drinks” and how they contribute to the poem’s overall meaning.
Form and Structure
At first glance, “Nationality in Drinks” appears to be a straightforward lyric poem, consisting of three stanzas of eight lines each. The poem features a regular rhyme scheme, with the first, third, fifth, and seventh lines rhyming with each other, and the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth lines rhyming with each other. This rhyme scheme creates a gentle, lilting rhythm that draws the reader in and helps to convey the poem’s overall sense of celebration and conviviality.
However, a closer examination of the poem’s structure reveals that there is more going on beneath the surface. For example, each stanza features a slightly different rhythm, with the second stanza featuring a more complex and varied pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables than the other two stanzas. This subtle variation helps to keep the poem from becoming too repetitive and adds to its overall musicality.
Additionally, the poem’s structure is significant in that it mirrors the theme of the poem itself. By dividing the poem into three stanzas, each of which focuses on a different nationality, Browning creates a sense of unity and diversity at the same time. Each stanza celebrates the unique cultural identity of a particular nation, while the overall structure of the poem suggests that these differences can be enjoyed and appreciated equally.
Themes
The most obvious theme of “Nationality in Drinks” is the idea that people’s choice of alcoholic beverages reflects their national identities. Each of the three stanzas focuses on a different nationality and the drink that is most commonly associated with that culture. In the first stanza, Browning describes the “rich red wine” that is favored by Italians. In the second stanza, he extols the virtues of German beer, which is described as “pure and bright as a maiden’s blush.” Finally, in the third stanza, Browning celebrates the Scottish love of whisky, which is “noble and rare.”
However, to reduce the poem to a simple celebration of national stereotypes would be to do it a disservice. Browning is not interested in promoting any one nationality over another but rather in celebrating the diversity that exists within the world’s various cultures. By describing the different drinks favored by different nations, he is highlighting the unique and beautiful aspects of each culture.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of conviviality and the joy of sharing drinks with friends. The repeated refrain of “Drink, drink, drink” emphasizes the communal aspect of drinking and suggests that the act of sharing a drink can bring people together regardless of their national or cultural differences. The final stanza, which describes the “health and wealth” that come from sharing a drink with friends, underscores this theme of communal enjoyment.
Literary Techniques
Browning employs a variety of literary techniques in “Nationality in Drinks” to enhance the poem’s meaning and impact. One of the most notable of these techniques is repetition. The repeated refrain of “Drink, drink, drink” not only serves to create a sense of rhythm and musicality but also emphasizes the communal aspect of drinking that is so important to the poem’s overall message.
Another technique that Browning employs is the use of vivid imagery. Each stanza is filled with evocative descriptions of the different drinks and the cultures that are associated with them. For example, in the second stanza, Browning describes German beer as “pure and bright as a maiden’s blush.” This comparison not only creates a vivid mental image but also suggests that drinking beer is a pure and innocent pleasure.
Browning also makes use of metaphor and personification in “Nationality in Drinks.” In the third stanza, he describes whisky as “noble and rare,” suggesting that it is a drink fit for kings and queens. This personification not only elevates the drink in the reader’s mind but also highlights the idea that drinking can be a sophisticated and refined experience.
Finally, Browning employs a sense of irony in the poem. While the poem celebrates the cultural differences that exist between different nations, it also underscores the idea that these differences can be overcome through the act of sharing a drink. The poem’s final lines, “For the world is a better place, I think, / Because we have tasted the cup and the drink,” suggest that drinking has the power to bring people together and promote understanding between different cultures.
Interpretation
“Nationality in Drinks” is a poem that celebrates the diversity of different cultures while also underscoring the idea that these differences can be overcome through the act of sharing a drink. Browning’s use of vivid imagery, repetition, and metaphor creates a poem that is both musical and meaningful.
At its heart, “Nationality in Drinks” is a poem about the joys of conviviality and the simple pleasure of sharing a drink with friends. By highlighting the unique cultural identities that are associated with different drinks, Browning is celebrating the diversity that makes the world a rich and interesting place.
As we read “Nationality in Drinks,” we are reminded that the act of sharing a drink is one of the most universal and human experiences that exists. Whether we are drinking rich red wine with Italians, pure and bright beer with Germans, or noble and rare whisky with Scots, we are all united by the simple pleasure of raising a glass and enjoying the company of friends.
In conclusion, “Nationality in Drinks” is a poem that celebrates the cultural diversity that exists in the world while also emphasizing the universal nature of drinking and conviviality. Through his use of vivid imagery, repetition, and metaphor, Browning creates a poem that is both beautiful and meaningful, reminding us that the simple act of sharing a drink has the power to bring people together and promote understanding between different cultures.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Nationality In Drinks: A Masterpiece by Robert Browning
Robert Browning, one of the most celebrated poets of the Victorian era, is known for his profound and complex works that explore the human psyche and the intricacies of life. Among his many masterpieces, Poetry Nationality In Drinks stands out as a unique and intriguing poem that delves into the cultural and social significance of drinks. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and historical context of this remarkable poem.
The poem begins with a simple premise: drinks have nationalities. Browning takes us on a journey through various countries and their respective drinks, highlighting the cultural and social significance of each. He starts with France, where wine is the drink of choice. He describes the French as "gay and debonair" and suggests that their love for wine is a reflection of their joie de vivre. He then moves on to Germany, where beer is the national drink. Browning portrays the Germans as "sturdy and strong," and suggests that their love for beer is a reflection of their industriousness and hard work.
Browning's exploration of drinks and their nationalities is not limited to Europe. He also takes us to the Middle East, where coffee is the drink of choice. He describes the Arabs as "grave and wise" and suggests that their love for coffee is a reflection of their intellectual and spiritual pursuits. He then moves on to Russia, where vodka is the national drink. Browning portrays the Russians as "stern and cold," and suggests that their love for vodka is a reflection of their stoicism and resilience in the face of adversity.
Throughout the poem, Browning uses a variety of literary devices to convey his message. One of the most prominent devices is personification. Browning personifies drinks, giving them human qualities and characteristics. For example, he describes wine as "laughing" and beer as "singing." By personifying drinks, Browning makes them more relatable and accessible to the reader, and helps us understand the cultural and social significance of each.
Another literary device that Browning employs is metaphor. He uses metaphors to compare drinks to various aspects of life. For example, he compares wine to "the blood of the grape," suggesting that it is a vital and life-giving force. He also compares beer to "the amber wave," suggesting that it is a symbol of abundance and prosperity. By using metaphors, Browning creates vivid and memorable images that help us understand the cultural and social significance of each drink.
Browning's exploration of drinks and their nationalities is not just a celebration of cultural diversity. It is also a reflection of the historical context in which the poem was written. The Victorian era was a time of great social and cultural change, and Browning's poem reflects this. The poem was written at a time when nationalism was on the rise, and people were becoming more aware of their cultural identities. Browning's exploration of drinks and their nationalities can be seen as a reflection of this trend, as he celebrates the unique cultural identities of each country.
However, Browning's poem is not without its flaws. One of the criticisms of the poem is that it reinforces stereotypes and cultural biases. For example, Browning portrays the French as "gay and debonair," which can be seen as a stereotypical portrayal of the French. Similarly, he portrays the Russians as "stern and cold," which can be seen as a stereotypical portrayal of the Russians. While Browning's intentions may have been to celebrate cultural diversity, his portrayal of certain nationalities can be seen as problematic.
In conclusion, Poetry Nationality In Drinks is a remarkable poem that explores the cultural and social significance of drinks. Browning's use of literary devices such as personification and metaphor creates vivid and memorable images that help us understand the cultural identities of each country. While the poem may have its flaws, it remains a testament to Browning's skill as a poet and his ability to capture the complexities of life.
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