'Raising The Flag' by Robert Service


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Behold! the Spanish flag they're raising
Before the Palace courtyard gate;
To watch its progress bold and blazing
Two hundred patient people wait.
Though bandsmen play the anthem bravely
The silken emblem seems to lag;
Two hundred people watch it gravely -
But only two salute the flag.

Fine-clad and arrogant of manner
The twain are like dark dons of old,
And to that high and haughty banner
Uplifted palms they proudly hold.
The others watch them glumly, grimly;
No sullen proletariat these,
but middle-class, well clad though dimly,
Who seem to live in decent ease.

Then sadly they look at each other,
And sigh ans shrug and turn away.
What is the feeling that they smother?
I wonder, but it's none too gay.
And as with puzzlement I bide me,
Beneath that rich, resplendent rag,
I hear a bitter voice beside me:
"It isn't ours - it's Franco's flag.

"I'm Right: I have no Left obsession.
I hate the Communists like hell,
But after ten years of oppression
I hate our Franco twice as well.
And hush! I keep (do not reprove me)
His portrait in a private place,
And every time my bowels move me
I - spit in El Caudillo's face."

These were the words I heard, I swear,
But when I turned around to stare,
Believe me - there was no one there.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Raising The Flag: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

When I first read Robert Service's "Raising The Flag" poem, I was struck by its simplicity, yet powerful imagery. In just sixteen lines, Service manages to capture the essence of patriotism, sacrifice, and the American spirit. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve deeper into the themes, symbols, and language used in the poem and analyze how they contribute to the overall meaning.

Theme: Patriotism and Sacrifice

The central theme of "Raising The Flag" is undoubtedly patriotism and sacrifice. The poem takes place during the Battle of Iwo Jima, a key battle in World War II, where American soldiers fought against the Japanese. The flag-raising scene that the poem describes is a moment of triumph, a symbol of victory over the enemy. However, the poem does not just celebrate the triumph of war; it also acknowledges the sacrifice that was necessary to achieve it.

"Raising The Flag" describes the raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi, the highest point on the island of Iwo Jima. The act of raising the flag is symbolic of the American soldiers' victory over the Japanese army. However, the poem also acknowledges that the raising of the flag was not an easy feat. The soldiers had to climb to the top of a steep mountain to plant the flag, and many of them lost their lives in the process.

Service uses vivid language to describe the soldiers' sacrifice. In the second stanza, he writes, "They climbed as though it were to be / Their final goal upon the earth." This line suggests that the soldiers were aware of the danger they were in and that they were willing to risk their lives to achieve their mission. The line, "The winds of death began to blow" in the third stanza further emphasizes the danger that the soldiers faced.

Symbolism: The Flag

The American flag is the most significant symbol in the poem. The flag-raising scene is a significant moment in American history, and the flag symbolizes American patriotism and triumph over the enemy. The flag is also a symbol of the soldiers' sacrifice. The act of planting the flag on Mount Suribachi required the soldiers to risk their lives, and many of them paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Service uses powerful language to describe the flag-raising scene. He writes, "Amid the storm of shot and shell / The Old Red-White-And-Blue." The phrase "storm of shot and shell" suggests that the soldiers were under heavy fire, but despite the danger, they managed to raise the flag. The use of the phrase "Old Red-White-And-Blue" is significant because it suggests that the flag represents not just the victory of the soldiers in this particular battle, but the triumph of the American spirit as a whole.

Language and Style: Sibilance and Repetition

Service's use of language and style is crucial to the poem's meaning. One of the most noticeable features of the poem is the use of sibilance. Sibilance is a literary device that involves the repetition of the "s" sound. Service uses sibilance in the lines, "They climbed as though it were to be / Their final goal upon the earth," and "The winds of death began to blow." The use of sibilance emphasizes the danger that the soldiers were in and creates a sense of tension and excitement.

Another feature of the poem's language and style is repetition. Service repeats the phrase, "Old Glory" in the final stanza of the poem. The repetition of this phrase reinforces the importance of the American flag and its symbolism in the poem. Additionally, the repetition of the phrase "Old Glory" creates a sense of rhythm and momentum in the poem, which is fitting given the triumphant nature of the subject matter.

Conclusion

In "Raising The Flag," Robert Service manages to capture the essence of the American spirit, patriotism, and sacrifice. The flag-raising scene that the poem describes is a moment of triumph, a symbol of victory over the enemy. The poem acknowledges the sacrifice that was necessary to achieve this victory, and in doing so, it presents a powerful tribute to the American soldiers who fought and died for their country.

Through his use of language and style, Service creates a sense of tension, excitement, and momentum that drives the poem forward. The sibilance and repetition that he employs add to the poem's sense of rhythm and reinforce the importance of the American flag as a symbol of the American spirit.

Overall, "Raising The Flag" is a deeply moving poem that celebrates the triumph of the American spirit and pays tribute to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is a poem that still resonates with readers today, reminding us of the sacrifices that have been made for our freedom and the importance of patriotism and sacrifice.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Raising The Flag: A Poem That Celebrates Patriotism and Bravery

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his powerful and evocative works. One of his most celebrated poems is "Raising The Flag," which is a stirring tribute to the courage and patriotism of soldiers who fought for their country. The poem is a vivid portrayal of the American flag being raised on a battlefield, and the emotions that it evokes in the hearts of those who witness it.

The poem begins with a description of the battlefield, which is a scene of chaos and destruction. The air is thick with smoke, and the ground is littered with the bodies of fallen soldiers. In the midst of this carnage, a group of soldiers is seen raising the American flag. The sight of the flag is a symbol of hope and inspiration for the soldiers who have been fighting tirelessly for their country.

Service's use of vivid imagery is particularly effective in this poem. He describes the flag as "a fluttering flame of freedom," which captures the essence of what the flag represents. The flag is not just a piece of cloth, but a symbol of the ideals and values that the soldiers are fighting for. It is a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made in the past, and the sacrifices that will be made in the future.

The poem also highlights the bravery of the soldiers who raised the flag. They are described as "heroes of a hundred fights," who have faced death and danger countless times. Despite the odds against them, they continue to fight for their country with unwavering courage and determination. The raising of the flag is a testament to their bravery, and a symbol of their commitment to their cause.

Service's use of language is particularly effective in conveying the emotions that the soldiers feel when they see the flag being raised. He describes the soldiers as being "stirred to tears," which shows the depth of their emotions. The flag represents everything that they have been fighting for, and seeing it raised on the battlefield is a powerful reminder of why they are there.

The poem also highlights the importance of unity and camaraderie among soldiers. The soldiers who raised the flag are described as being "bound by love and loyalty," which shows the strength of their bond. They are not just fighting for their country, but for each other. The raising of the flag is a symbol of their unity, and a reminder of the importance of working together towards a common goal.

Service's use of rhyme and rhythm is also noteworthy in this poem. The poem has a strong and steady rhythm, which reflects the determination and resolve of the soldiers. The rhyme scheme is also effective in creating a sense of unity and harmony among the words.

In conclusion, "Raising The Flag" is a powerful and evocative poem that celebrates patriotism and bravery. Service's use of vivid imagery, language, and rhyme creates a stirring tribute to the soldiers who fought for their country. The poem is a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made in the past, and the sacrifices that will be made in the future. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and the power of unity and camaraderie.

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