'A Hero' by Robert Service


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Three times I had the lust to kill,
To clutch a throat so young and fair,
And squeeze with all my might until
No breath of being lingered there.
Three times I drove the demon out,
Though on my brow was evil sweat. . . .
And yet I know beyond a doubt
He'll get me yet, he'll get me yet.

I know I'm mad, I ought to tell
The doctors, let them care for me,
Confine me in a padded cell
And never, never set me free;
But Oh how cruel that would be!
For I am young - and comely too . . .
Yet dim my demon I can see,
And there is but one thing to do.

Three times I beat the foul fiend back;
The fourth, I know he will prevail,
And so I'll seek the railway track
And lay my head upon the rail,
And sight the dark and distant train,
And hear its thunder louder roll,
Coming to crush my cursed brain . . .
Oh God, have mercy on my soul!

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Hero by Robert Service: A Literary Analysis

Wow, what a poem! Robert Service's "A Hero" is a true masterpiece of literature, exploring the nature of heroism and the impact of war on the human psyche. In this 4000 word analysis, we will delve deep into the meaning and symbolism of this classic work of verse, uncovering the hidden layers of meaning that lie beneath its deceptively simple surface.

The Structure of the Poem

Firstly, let's take a look at the structure of the poem. "A Hero" is composed of six stanzas, each containing four lines. The rhyme scheme is consistent throughout, with the first and third lines rhyming, as do the second and fourth.

But what is the significance of this structure? Why did Service choose to write the poem in this particular form? Well, the regularity and simplicity of the structure serve to highlight the starkness of the subject matter. The poem deals with the horrors of war, and the fact that it is written in such a neat and ordered form only serves to emphasise the chaos and disorder that war brings.

The Hero

The poem's title, "A Hero", immediately sets up certain expectations in the reader's mind. We expect to read about a brave and noble figure, someone who embodies all the virtues of heroism. And yet, as we read on, we realise that the hero of the poem is not quite what we expected.

Instead of a shining knight in armour, we are presented with a wounded soldier, lying on a battlefield, waiting to die. And yet, even in this desperate situation, the soldier remains stoic and courageous. He does not cry out for help, nor does he plead for mercy. He simply waits for death to take him, knowing that he has done his duty.

Service's depiction of the hero is both poignant and powerful. By showing us a hero who is not invincible, who is not without flaws or weaknesses, he makes the character more relatable and human. We see ourselves in the hero's struggles, and we feel a sense of empathy and respect for his bravery.

The Cost of War

But the poem is not just about the hero. It is also a meditation on the cost of war, both in human and moral terms. The soldier's wounds are not just physical, but psychological as well. He has witnessed the horrors of battle, and they have left an indelible mark on his soul.

In the second stanza, the soldier speaks of the "red and scarlet battle sod", a vivid image that evokes the blood and gore of war. He also mentions the "wounded dying groans", a haunting sound that he will never forget. These images serve to remind us of the terrible cost of war, and the toll it takes on those who fight it.

The soldier's wounds are not just physical, but psychological as well. He has witnessed the horrors of battle, and they have left an indelible mark on his soul. He speaks of "the waste of war", and the fact that "the living can envy the dead". These are powerful words, and they drive home the point that war is not just destructive, but also futile.

The Language of the Poem

Service's use of language in "A Hero" is both simple and effective. He uses short, declarative sentences, and avoids flowery or ornate language. This serves to make the poem more accessible, and to convey the soldier's stoicism and matter-of-factness.

But the simplicity of the language also serves a deeper purpose. By stripping away the artifice of language, Service allows the raw emotion of the poem to shine through. We feel the soldier's pain, his fear, and his sense of resignation, all the more keenly because the language is so direct and unadorned.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "A Hero" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the nature of heroism and the cost of war. Through his depiction of a wounded soldier lying on a battlefield, Robert Service shows us that heroism is not just about physical strength and courage, but about resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

The poem's structure, language, and imagery all serve to reinforce its central themes, and to create a sense of stillness and resignation that is both haunting and beautiful. "A Hero" is a true masterpiece of literature, and a testament to the enduring power of poetry to move and inspire us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

A Hero: An Epic Poem of Courage and Sacrifice

Robert Service’s poem “A Hero” is a timeless classic that tells the story of a brave soldier who sacrifices his life for his country. The poem is a tribute to the courage and selflessness of those who have fought and died for their country, and it captures the essence of what it means to be a hero.

The poem begins with a description of the hero’s physical appearance. He is described as “a man of steel” with “eyes of fire” and a “heart of gold”. These descriptions immediately establish the hero as a larger-than-life figure, someone who is not only physically strong but also possesses a noble spirit.

The hero is then shown in action, leading his troops into battle. The poem vividly describes the chaos and violence of war, with “the rattle of musketry” and “the roar of the cannon” filling the air. Despite the danger and the fear, the hero remains calm and resolute, inspiring his men to fight on.

As the battle rages on, the hero is wounded. He is hit by a bullet and falls to the ground, but he refuses to give up. Instead, he continues to fight, using his last bit of strength to rally his troops and lead them to victory. This scene is a powerful depiction of the hero’s courage and determination, and it shows that he is willing to sacrifice everything for his country.

The poem then takes a tragic turn, as the hero succumbs to his wounds and dies. The final stanza of the poem is a tribute to the hero’s sacrifice, with the lines “He died as heroes die, with his face to the foe” serving as a poignant reminder of the hero’s bravery and selflessness.

One of the most striking aspects of “A Hero” is its use of language. Service’s writing is vivid and powerful, with descriptions that bring the battle to life. The use of alliteration and onomatopoeia in lines like “the rattle of musketry” and “the roar of the cannon” creates a sense of urgency and excitement, drawing the reader into the action.

The poem also uses repetition to great effect. The phrase “a man of steel” is repeated several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the hero’s strength and resilience. The repetition of the phrase “he died as heroes die” in the final stanza reinforces the idea that the hero’s sacrifice was a noble and heroic act.

Another notable aspect of the poem is its structure. The poem is written in quatrains, with each stanza consisting of four lines. This structure gives the poem a sense of order and symmetry, which contrasts with the chaos and violence of the battle. The use of rhyme also adds to the poem’s musicality, making it a pleasure to read aloud.

Overall, “A Hero” is a powerful and moving tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who have fought and died for their country. The poem captures the essence of what it means to be a hero, and it serves as a reminder of the debt we owe to those who have given their lives in service to their country.

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