'The Old General' by Robert Service
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Little Annabelle to please,
(Lacking grace, I grant),
Grandpa down on hands and knees
Plays the elephant.
Annabelle shrieks with delight,
Bouncing up and down,
On his back and holding tight
To his dressing gown.
As they roll and bowl along,
Round and round the room,
There is sunshine and a song
'Spite December gloom.
Yet we hear not Grandpa's groans,
Hushed his beard inside,
As his old rheumatic bones
Ache with every stride.
He has known his golden days,
Soldiered with the best;
And to prove the people's praise
Medals bright his breast.
Yet though his renown we chant,
How we love him well
When he plays the elephant
Just for Annabelle!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Old General: A Poem of Heroism, Sacrifice, and Legacy
Robert Service's poem "The Old General" is a powerful and poignant tribute to a military hero who has passed away. Through vivid imagery, evocative language, and a deep understanding of human nature, Service captures the essence of what it means to be a soldier, and how the legacy of one's service can endure long after death.
Overview of the Poem
The poem tells the story of an old general who has died, and the impact of his passing on those who knew him. The first stanza sets the scene, describing the general's funeral procession as it winds its way through the streets of the city. Service uses a series of powerful metaphors to convey the solemnity and dignity of the occasion: the flags "fluttering sadly," the drums "muffled," the boots "treading slow."
In the second stanza, the focus shifts to the general himself, and we are given a glimpse into his life and character. Service portrays him as a man of courage, determination, and selflessness, who fought bravely in many battles and led his troops with distinction. The general's achievements are summed up in the line "He'd climbed the heights of Honor, and smiled when he fell low."
The third stanza is perhaps the most moving of the poem, as it describes the emotional impact of the general's death on his comrades and fellow soldiers. Service uses a series of vivid images to convey their grief and sense of loss: the bugles "sobbing," the drums "mournful," the ranks "broken and bent." But even in their sorrow, the soldiers honor the memory of their fallen leader, and pledge to carry on his legacy: "They'll follow the trail he blazed, and they'll take his sword in hand."
The final stanza of the poem is both a tribute to the general's memory and a reminder of the enduring nature of his legacy. Service describes how, years after the general's death, his name and deeds are still remembered and celebrated: "His name is graven on stone, his deeds are writ in story." And in the final, stirring lines of the poem, Service exhorts his readers to follow in the footsteps of the old general, to "stand and fight like a man" and make their own mark on history.
Literary Analysis
"The Old General" is a masterful piece of writing that combines powerful imagery, vivid language, and a deep understanding of human nature to create a moving tribute to a military hero. Here are some of the key literary elements that make the poem so effective:
Metaphor
Service uses a number of metaphors throughout the poem to convey the emotional weight of the general's passing. For example, in the first stanza, he compares the flags "fluttering sadly" to "butterflies in a net." This image captures the sense of loss and grief that permeates the funeral procession, and suggests the fragility of life and the fleetingness of glory.
Allusion
Service also makes use of allusion in the poem, drawing on historical and literary references to deepen the meaning of his words. For example, the line "He'd climbed the heights of Honor, and smiled when he fell low" alludes to the famous Tennyson poem "Ulysses," in which the eponymous hero speaks of his longing to continue exploring the world even in old age. Service's allusion to this poem suggests that the old general shared Ulysses' spirit of adventure and determination.
Symbolism
The poem is rich in symbolism, with each image and phrase carrying multiple layers of meaning. For example, the "drums that muffle and moan" in the first stanza suggest the somberness of the occasion, but also hint at the beating of a heart and the rhythms of life and death. Similarly, the "broken and bent" ranks of soldiers in the third stanza can be read as a metaphor for the human body, which inevitably grows weak and frail with age.
Repetition
Service makes use of repetition throughout the poem, both to create a sense of rhythm and to reinforce his central themes. For example, the phrase "they'll follow the trail he blazed" is repeated twice in the third stanza, emphasizing the idea of the general as a leader and trailblazer. Similarly, the refrain "stand and fight like a man" in the final stanza serves as a call to action and a reminder of the virtues that the general embodied.
Interpretation
At its core, "The Old General" is a poem about heroism, sacrifice, and legacy. Service paints a vivid portrait of a man who devoted his life to serving his country and his fellow soldiers, and who inspired others to follow in his footsteps. But the poem is also about the enduring nature of memory and the ways in which our deeds and actions can continue to inspire and influence others long after we are gone.
In this sense, the poem can be read as a call to action, urging us to live our lives with courage, determination, and nobility, and to leave a lasting legacy that will inspire and uplift future generations. It is a reminder that, no matter how fleeting our time on this earth may be, our actions and accomplishments can continue to resonate and reverberate long after we are gone.
Conclusion
"The Old General" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of military heroism and the enduring nature of legacy. Through his use of vivid imagery, powerful language, and deep insight into human nature, Robert Service has created a tribute to a fallen hero that will resonate with readers for generations to come. Whether read as a call to action, a celebration of sacrifice, or a meditation on the nature of memory and legacy, "The Old General" is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to move and inspire us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Old General: A Poem of Heroism and Sacrifice
Robert Service's "The Old General" is a classic poem that tells the story of a brave and selfless military leader who sacrifices his life for the sake of his troops. The poem is a powerful tribute to the courage and dedication of soldiers, and it captures the essence of what it means to be a true leader.
The poem begins with a description of the old general, who is "bent and scarred and old." Despite his age and physical limitations, the general is still a formidable figure, with a "lion's eyes" and a "voice like a trumpet." He is a man who has seen many battles and has led his troops through countless hardships.
As the poem unfolds, we learn that the general is facing a difficult decision. His troops are outnumbered and outgunned, and they are facing certain defeat. The general knows that the only way to save his men is to launch a desperate attack on the enemy's stronghold. He also knows that this attack will almost certainly cost him his life.
Despite the danger, the general is determined to do what is best for his troops. He rallies his men with a stirring speech, telling them that they must "fight like devils" and "die like heroes." He leads the charge himself, riding his horse into the thick of the battle.
The battle is fierce and bloody, and the general is soon surrounded by enemy soldiers. He fights bravely, but he is eventually overwhelmed and falls to the ground. As he lies dying, he thinks of his men and knows that he has done the right thing. He dies with a smile on his face, knowing that he has saved his troops from certain death.
The poem is a powerful tribute to the bravery and selflessness of soldiers, and it captures the essence of what it means to be a true leader. The old general is a man who is willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of his troops. He is a man who inspires his men to greatness and leads by example.
The poem also highlights the horrors of war and the toll it takes on those who fight it. The general is scarred and bent from years of battle, and he knows that his time is running out. He is a man who has seen too much death and destruction, and he knows that there is no glory in war.
Despite the darkness of the subject matter, the poem is also filled with hope and inspiration. The old general's sacrifice is a reminder that there is still goodness and heroism in the world, even in the midst of war. His bravery and selflessness inspire us to be better people and to strive for greatness in our own lives.
In conclusion, "The Old General" is a classic poem that tells a timeless story of heroism and sacrifice. It is a powerful tribute to the courage and dedication of soldiers, and it captures the essence of what it means to be a true leader. The poem is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope and inspiration to be found.
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