'The Defeated' by Robert Service
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Carols of an Old CodgerThink not because you raiseA gleaming sword,
That you will win to praiseBefore the Lord.And though men hail you greatUnto the skies,
Deem not 'twill ope' the gateOf Paradise.Though you have gold and gearAnd fame and power,
What odds when you draw nearThe Judgement Hour?But if in bloody dustYet unafraid
You battle for the JustWith broken blade--Then will the Lord look downWith eyes of love,
And you shall win a CrownAll price above.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Analysis of "The Defeated" by Robert Service
As a renowned poet of the 20th century, Robert Service was known for his ability to capture the essence of the human experience in his works. One of his most notable poems is "The Defeated," a poignant piece that explores the struggles of those who have suffered defeat in their lives. Through his use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Service creates a moving portrait of what it means to be defeated, and how one can find hope and redemption in the face of failure.
The Poem in Context
"The Defeated" was written in the aftermath of World War I, a time of great upheaval and uncertainty in Europe. The war had left millions dead and wounded, and the social and political landscape of the continent had been forever changed. Service, who had served as an ambulance driver in France during the war, was keenly aware of the toll that the conflict had taken on those who had fought in it. "The Defeated" can be seen as a reflection on the human cost of war, and on the struggles that people face when they are forced to confront failure and defeat.
The Language and Imagery of "The Defeated"
From the opening lines of the poem, it is clear that Service is interested in exploring the emotional landscape of defeat. He uses vivid, concrete language to create a sense of the physical and emotional toll that failure can take on a person:
In every age, in every clime,
Amongst the peoples great or small,
There have been those who in defeat
Have bravely borne themselves through all.
These lines are notable for their use of repetition and parallelism, which create a sense of rhythm and balance that echoes the theme of resilience in the face of defeat. The phrase "bravely borne themselves" is particularly powerful, as it suggests a kind of stoicism and determination in the face of adversity.
Throughout the poem, Service continues to use vivid imagery to capture the emotions of the defeated. He describes them as "sunk in sorrow" and "black with despair," painting a bleak portrait of what it feels like to be on the losing side. Yet even in these moments of darkness, there are glimmers of hope and resilience. Service writes:
They know the bitterness of tears,
The anguish of the inward smart;
Yet like the wounded beast they rise,
And slowly, doggedly they start.
Here, the wounded beast is a powerful metaphor for the resilience and determination of the defeated. Though they may be wounded and broken, they still have the strength to rise and continue on.
The Role of Hope in "The Defeated"
One of the most striking aspects of "The Defeated" is the way that Service incorporates hope into the poem. Despite the bleakness of the imagery and language, there are moments of brightness and optimism that shine through. In the final stanza of the poem, Service writes:
They know the thrill of victory,
They know the pangs of fierce regret;
Yet though they bow to Fate's decree,
They rise and fight again—and yet!
This stanza is notable for its use of paradox and contradiction. The defeated have known both victory and defeat, and yet they continue to fight on. The phrase "they rise and fight again—and yet!" is particularly powerful, as it suggests a kind of determination and resilience that transcends even the most crushing defeat.
Conclusion
In "The Defeated," Robert Service creates a moving portrait of what it means to be defeated. Through his use of vivid imagery and powerful language, he captures the emotional toll that failure can take on a person, while also suggesting that there is hope and resilience to be found in even the darkest moments. In many ways, the poem can be seen as a testament to the human spirit, and to the ability of people to rise above even the most crushing defeat.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has always been a medium for expressing the deepest emotions and thoughts of the human mind. It is a form of art that has the power to move people, inspire them, and even change their lives. One such poem that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire people is "The Defeated" by Robert Service.
Robert Service was a Scottish-Canadian poet who is best known for his poems about the Yukon and the Klondike Gold Rush. He was a prolific writer and his poems were widely popular during his time. "The Defeated" is one of his most famous poems and is a powerful commentary on the human condition.
The poem begins with the lines, "He drank strong drink and sang a song, / And slew a man, and all went wrong." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem and introduce us to the main character, a man who has fallen from grace and is now living a life of despair and defeat.
The poem goes on to describe the man's life, how he was once a successful and respected member of society, but how he lost everything due to his own actions. He is now a shadow of his former self, living a life of poverty and misery.
The poem is a powerful commentary on the human condition and the consequences of our actions. It shows us that no matter how successful we may be, we are all vulnerable to the pitfalls of life and can fall from grace at any moment.
The poem also highlights the power of poetry as a medium for expressing the deepest emotions and thoughts of the human mind. Robert Service's use of language and imagery is masterful, and he is able to convey the pain and despair of the main character in a way that is both powerful and moving.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of repetition. The phrase "And all went wrong" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the sense of despair and hopelessness that the main character feels. The repetition also serves to drive home the message that our actions have consequences and that we must be careful how we live our lives.
Another powerful aspect of the poem is its use of imagery. The description of the main character as a "wraith-like thing" and a "ghost of what he used to be" is haunting and evocative. It paints a vivid picture of a man who has lost everything and is now living a life of misery and despair.
The poem also touches on themes of redemption and forgiveness. The main character is shown to be remorseful for his actions and is seeking forgiveness for his sins. However, the poem does not offer a clear resolution or a happy ending. It leaves the reader with a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty, highlighting the complexity of the human condition and the difficulty of finding redemption.
In conclusion, "The Defeated" by Robert Service is a powerful and moving poem that explores the human condition and the consequences of our actions. It is a testament to the power of poetry as a medium for expressing the deepest emotions and thoughts of the human mind. The poem's use of repetition, imagery, and themes of redemption and forgiveness make it a timeless classic that continues to inspire and move people to this day.
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