'Through The Metidja To Abd-El-Kadr' by Robert Browning


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[Abd-el-Kadr was an Arab Chief of Algiers who resisted the French in 1833.]

I.

As I ride, as I ride,
With a full heart for my guide,
So its tide rocks my side,
As I ride, as I ride,
That, as I were double-eyed,
He, in whom our Tribes confide,
Is descried, ways untried
As I ride, as I ride.

II.

As I ride, as I ride
To our Chief and his Allied,
Who dares chide my heart's pride
As I ride, as I ride?
Or are witnesses denied---
Through the desert waste and wide
Do I glide unespied
As I ride, as I ride?

III.

As I ride, as I ride,
When an inner voice has cried,
The sands slide, nor abide
(As I ride, as I ride)
O'er each visioned homicide
That came vaunting (has he lied?)
To reside---where he died,
As I ride, as I ride.

IV.

As I ride, as I ride,
Ne'er has spur my swift horse plied,
Yet his hide, streaked and pied,
As I ride, as I ride,
Shows where sweat has sprung and dried,
---Zebra-footed, ostrich-thighed---
How has vied stride with stride
As I ride, as I ride!

V.

As I ride, as I ride,
Could I loose what Fate has tied,
Ere I pried, she should hide
(As I ride, as I ride)
All that's meant me---satisfied
When the Prophet and the Bride
Stop veins I'd have subside
As I ride, as I ride!


Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Through The Metidja To Abd-El-Kadr: A Journey of Discovery and Transformation

Robert Browning's "Poetry, Through The Metidja To Abd-El-Kadr" is a powerful work that captures the essence of a journey of discovery and transformation in the midst of war and conflict. Written in 1855, the poem is based on Browning's personal experience of traveling across the Metidja plain in Algeria to meet the legendary Arab warrior Abd-el-Kader during the French occupation of the country. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Browning paints a picture of a landscape torn apart by war, but also of the resilience and beauty of the human spirit.

At its heart, "Poetry, Through The Metidja To Abd-El-Kadr" is a poem about the power of language and the transformative nature of poetry. As the title suggests, the poem is meant to be read as a journey, both physical and spiritual. The speaker, who is presumably Browning himself, is traveling through the Metidja plain, which was a major battleground during the Algerian War of Independence. As he travels, he encounters a variety of people and experiences, all of which contribute to his understanding of the world around him.

The journey begins with an evocative description of the landscape:

'Mine be a cot beside the hill; A bee-hive's hum shall sooth my ear; A willowy brook, that turns a mill, With many a fall shall linger near. The swallow oft beneath my thatch Shall twitter from her clay-built nest; Oft shall the pilgrim lift the latch, And share my meal, a welcome guest.'

These lines set the tone for the poem, conveying a sense of peace and tranquility that will soon be shattered by the reality of war. The speaker longs for a simple life, free from the conflicts and struggles of the world. However, as he sets out on his journey, he quickly realizes that such a life is not possible.

The first part of the poem describes the speaker's journey through the Metidja plain, which is portrayed as a desolate and dangerous place. The landscape is scarred by war, with burned villages and dead bodies scattered throughout. The speaker is confronted with the brutal reality of war, and is forced to confront his own mortality. However, despite the darkness of the landscape, there are moments of beauty and hope. At one point, the speaker comes across a group of women singing, and he is struck by the power of their voices:

'And, as we passed the laurel-swamp, And as we crossed the dreary plain, Oh! there was music in my ear, And beauty in my heart again.'

These lines are a powerful reminder of the transformative power of art, even in the midst of war and destruction. The beauty of the singing women is a moment of light in the darkness, and serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.

As the journey continues, the speaker encounters a variety of people, each of whom has a unique story to tell. There is the wounded soldier, who laments his lost youth and dreams. There is the Arab woman, who mourns the loss of her husband and children. And there is the French soldier, who is consumed by guilt and regret over the violence he has committed. Through each encounter, the speaker gains a deeper understanding of the complexities of the war and the human experience.

However, it is not until the speaker reaches Abd-el-Kader that he truly begins to understand the transformative power of poetry. Abd-el-Kader is a legendary figure, known for his bravery and his commitment to justice. As the speaker listens to him speak, he is struck by the power of his words:

'And oft some swarthy-visaged Moor Would press his lip to Abd-el-Kader's, And gaze upon the crowd once more, As though he read their thoughts and prayers.'

These lines convey a sense of reverence and awe towards Abd-el-Kader, who is portrayed as a wise and powerful leader. Through his words, the speaker gains a deeper understanding of the struggles of the Arab people, and the role that poetry plays in their culture. He realizes that poetry is not just a form of entertainment, but a means of expressing the deepest hopes and fears of a people.

In the final stanza of the poem, the speaker reflects on the transformative power of his journey:

'And thus it is that man can make A climate, as a cloak; And walk therein at will; Who wins the first may win the last: And, till he cools or chills, Or never, Death, the seal to set, Hath never come to him as yet.'

These lines convey a sense of hope and optimism, suggesting that even in the midst of war and conflict, it is possible to find meaning and purpose. The speaker has undergone a journey of discovery and transformation, and has emerged from it with a deeper understanding of the human experience.

In conclusion, "Poetry, Through The Metidja To Abd-El-Kadr" is a powerful work of poetry that captures the essence of a journey of discovery and transformation. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Browning paints a picture of a landscape torn apart by war, but also of the resilience and beauty of the human spirit. At its heart, the poem is about the power of language and the transformative nature of poetry. Through his journey, the speaker gains a deeper understanding of the complexities of the war and the human experience, and emerges from it with a sense of hope and optimism.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Through The Metidja To Abd-El-Kadr: A Masterpiece of Robert Browning

Robert Browning, one of the greatest poets of the Victorian era, is known for his dramatic monologues that explore the complexities of human nature. His poem, "Poetry Through The Metidja To Abd-El-Kadr," is a masterpiece that showcases his mastery of the form. The poem is a journey through the Algerian desert, where the poet encounters the legendary warrior, Abd-El-Kadr. Through his encounter with the warrior, the poet explores the power of poetry and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries.

The poem is set in the Metidja, a vast plain in Algeria, where the poet is traveling on horseback. The journey is arduous, and the poet is exhausted, but he is sustained by the beauty of the landscape. The opening lines of the poem set the tone for the journey:

"Oft have I brooded on defeat and pain, The pathos of the stupid, stumbling throng. These I ignore to-day and go alone Where there is strife, unread, unhear'd, unknown."

The poet is seeking a new experience, one that will take him beyond the mundane and into the realm of the extraordinary. He is looking for a challenge, and he finds it in the form of Abd-El-Kadr.

Abd-El-Kadr is a legendary figure in Algerian history. He was a warrior and a leader who fought against the French colonization of Algeria in the 19th century. He was known for his bravery, his intelligence, and his commitment to his people. In the poem, he is portrayed as a larger-than-life figure, a hero who embodies the spirit of his people.

The encounter between the poet and Abd-El-Kadr is the heart of the poem. The two men meet in the desert, and the poet is immediately struck by the warrior's presence. He describes him as "a lion in his rage," a man who commands respect and admiration. The poet is in awe of Abd-El-Kadr, and he is eager to learn from him.

The conversation between the two men is the highlight of the poem. They discuss the power of poetry and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries. Abd-El-Kadr is impressed by the poet's knowledge of Arabic poetry, and he invites him to recite some verses. The poet obliges, and he recites a poem by the 13th-century Persian poet, Rumi. The poem is a tribute to the power of love, and it resonates with Abd-El-Kadr.

The warrior is moved by the poem, and he responds with a poem of his own. His poem is a tribute to his people and their struggle against the French. He speaks of their bravery, their resilience, and their determination to be free. The poem is a powerful expression of the Algerian spirit, and it inspires the poet.

The conversation between the two men is a testament to the power of poetry. It shows how poetry can bridge cultural divides and bring people together. The poet and Abd-El-Kadr come from different worlds, but they are united by their love of poetry. Through their conversation, they are able to connect on a deep level and share their experiences.

The poem is also a commentary on the colonialism of the time. The French colonization of Algeria was a brutal and oppressive period in Algerian history. The poem is a reminder of the resistance of the Algerian people and their determination to be free. The encounter between the poet and Abd-El-Kadr is a symbol of the struggle against colonialism, and it shows how poetry can be a powerful tool in that struggle.

In conclusion, "Poetry Through The Metidja To Abd-El-Kadr" is a masterpiece of Robert Browning. It is a journey through the Algerian desert, where the poet encounters the legendary warrior, Abd-El-Kadr. Through their conversation, the poet explores the power of poetry and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries. The poem is a tribute to the Algerian spirit and a reminder of the struggle against colonialism. It is a powerful expression of the human experience and a testament to the power of poetry.

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