'At The Parade' by Robert Service
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I cannot flap a flag
Or beat a drum;
Behind the mob I lag
With larynx dumb;
Alas! I fear I'm not
A Patriot.
With acrid eyes I see
The soul of things;
And equal unto me
Are cooks and kings;
I would not cross the street
A duke to meet.
Oh curse me for a fool
To be so proud;
To stand so still and cool
Amid the crowd.
For President or Peer
God, let me cheer!
But no, despite the glee
My heart is cold;
I think that it may be
Because I'm old;
I'm dumb where millions yell . . .
Oh what the hell!
Editor 1 Interpretation
At The Parade by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism
Oh, what a powerful piece of writing we have here! At The Parade by Robert Service is one of those poems that you read once, twice, thrice, and then find yourself reading it again and again, with every reading revealing something new and exciting. It's a classic poem that has stood the test of time and still resonates with readers today. In this literary criticism, we will delve deep into the poem, exploring its themes, imagery, language, and style to uncover what makes it such a masterpiece.
Background
Before we dive into the poem itself, let's take a moment to learn a bit about the poet, Robert Service. He was a British-Canadian poet and novelist who lived from 1874 to 1958. He is best known for his poems about the Yukon and Alaska, where he spent several years working as a bank clerk and later as a journalist. His poems are known for their simple language, strong rhythms, and vivid imagery. At The Parade was published in 1912, during the height of Service's career.
Themes
At The Parade is a poem that explores the theme of patriotism and the power of national symbols. The poem is set during a parade, which is a common event in many countries where people come together to celebrate their nation. Through the poem, Service highlights the emotional response that people have to national symbols such as flags, anthems, and uniforms. The poem portrays a sense of unity that comes when people share a common identity and purpose, which is to celebrate their nation.
Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of At The Parade is the vivid imagery that Service uses to bring the scene to life. The poem is full of sensory details that transport the reader to the parade. For example, in the first stanza, Service describes how the crowd is "packed like sardines in a tin," giving the reader a sense of the density of the crowd. He also describes how the air is filled with the "drums and bugles' din," which creates an auditory image of the sound of the parade.
Service also uses vivid imagery to describe the national symbols. For example, he describes the flag as "the fluttering, rippling flag, / Red as a robin's breast," which creates a visual image of the flag waving in the wind. He also describes the soldiers as "Gay as a circus clown," which creates a visual image of the soldiers in their colorful uniforms.
Language
Service's use of language in At The Parade is simple yet powerful. He uses short, punchy sentences that are easy to read and understand. This simplicity of language is one of the reasons why the poem has stood the test of time. It is a poem that can be understood and appreciated by people of all ages and backgrounds.
Service also uses repetition throughout the poem to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. For example, he repeats the phrase "hurrah for" several times in the poem, which creates a sense of excitement and enthusiasm. He also repeats the phrase "the flag" several times, which emphasizes the importance of this national symbol.
Style
At The Parade is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a strict rhyme scheme or meter. Instead, the poem flows naturally, with the rhythm and meter changing to fit the mood and tone of each stanza. This style of writing gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and energy, which is fitting for a poem about a parade.
Service's use of humor is also notable in the poem. For example, he describes how the crowd is so dense that people are "stuck like flies on a pin." This humor helps to lighten the mood of the poem and keeps it from becoming too serious or heavy-handed.
Interpretation
At The Parade is a poem that celebrates the power of national symbols to bring people together. It is a poem that encourages us to take pride in our country and to celebrate our shared identity. The poem is not only a celebration of patriotism, but also a celebration of the human spirit.
Through the poem, Service reminds us that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves. We are part of a community, a nation, and a world. When we come together to celebrate our common identity, we create a sense of unity and purpose.
At The Parade is a timeless poem that still resonates with readers today. It is a reminder of the power of words and the importance of celebrating our shared humanity. So, let us raise a flag, sing an anthem, and celebrate the things that make us proud to be part of a nation. Hurrah for At The Parade, and hurrah for Robert Service!
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
At The Parade: A Celebration of Life and Patriotism
Robert Service's poem "At The Parade" is a beautiful tribute to the spirit of patriotism and the joy of life. The poem captures the excitement and energy of a parade, as well as the sense of community and belonging that comes with being part of something larger than oneself.
The poem begins with a description of the parade itself, with its "brass bands blaring" and "flags a-flying." The imagery is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a lively and colorful scene. The poem then shifts to a more personal perspective, as the speaker describes his own experience of the parade.
The speaker is clearly caught up in the excitement of the moment, as he describes the "thrill" of the parade and the "joy" of being part of it. He revels in the sense of camaraderie and belonging that comes with being part of a larger group, and he celebrates the diversity of the crowd, with its "black and white and brown" faces.
As the poem progresses, the speaker's focus shifts from the parade itself to the larger themes of patriotism and national identity. He speaks of the "glory" of the flag and the "pride" of being an American. He celebrates the sacrifices of those who have fought and died for their country, and he expresses his own commitment to the ideals of freedom and democracy.
The poem ends on a note of hope and optimism, as the speaker looks forward to a future in which these ideals will continue to be upheld. He speaks of a time when "all the world will be as one," and he expresses his belief that this vision can be achieved through the power of love and unity.
Overall, "At The Parade" is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the best of what it means to be American. It captures the excitement and energy of a parade, while also conveying a deeper sense of meaning and purpose. Through its vivid imagery and passionate language, the poem reminds us of the importance of community, patriotism, and the pursuit of a better world.
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